Description

The Stronger Connections Subgrant Program is funded by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), authorized by Title IV, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), and administered by the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE).
The purpose of the Stronger Connections Subgrant Program, as stated in the frequently asked questions, is to provide students with safer and healthier learning environments and fund only activities allowable under section 4108 of the ESEA. Subgrant funds must be used to develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive programs within high need LEAs

Program Office

Office of Student Intervention Services

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants are South Carolina LEAs (school districts) that demonstrate a high need as identified by 1) a high percentage of students living in poverty (40 percent or higher) and 2) either a high rate of bullying/harassment, a high rate of chronic absenteeism, or a high rate of exclusionary discipline. See page 49 of the RFP for a list of eligible LEAs

Total Funding Available

$10,400,000

Funding Detail

Approximately 29 subgrants, with the minimum of $50,000 and the maximum award being $350,000. Award amounts will be determined based on the quality of applications received and total funding requested

Project Term

July 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025

Application Due Date

May 1, 2024

Technical Assistance Session

The Office of Student Support provided a technical assistance session on March 14, 2024. Please email strongerconnections@ed.sc.gov for a link to the recording.

Documents

Request for Proposals (DOCX, 1.18 mb – 2/28/2024)
Frequently Asked Questions (PDF, 19kb - 3/25/26)
Online Application
Budget Forecast and Narrative (XLSX, 19kb - 2/28/2024)

Program Web Page

South Carolina School Safety