Chariho to receive $425,000 in new federal funding

RI Department of Education awards $4.8 million in federal subgrants to support safe, healthy, and supportive schools

The state Education Department has awarded 12 local education agencies (LEAs) with $4.8 million in federal subgrants to establish strategies and carry out activities that will help increase students’ sense of belonging and safety. 

The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) authorized $1 billion in federal funding to support state education agencies, LEAs, and schools in establishing and expanding safe, healthy, and supportive learning opportunities and environments through the BSCA Stronger Connections Grant program.

“When students feel safe and supported in the classroom, they are positioned for long-term success,” said U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. “I voted for the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, and I’m pleased this funding from the bill will help make schools safer, healthier, and more inclusive for students and educators across Rhode Island.” 

“Every student deserves to be safe and supported in the classroom,” said U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner. “By investing in education and inclusive learning environments, we will ensure that the next generation is set up for success.”

Through a competitive application process, RIDE is awarding 12 LEAs with subgrants of up to $425,000. According to federal guidelines, grantees must be considered “high need” and meet the following metrics established by RIDE:

• LEAs with at least one Title I-A participating school with 35% or more poverty and one or more SurveyWorks student risk factors;
• or LEAs with at least Title I-A participating schools and one or more SurveyWorks student risk factors ranked in the top ten.
• Student risk factors include data surrounding violence and belonging in and out of school.

The funding is for a three-year performance period, ending September 30, 2026. The 12 LEAs will use funds for a variety of efforts including expanding social-emotional learning and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) projects.

Several LEAs will be leveraging these grants to expand ESSER-funded projects and initiatives, as well as expand efforts initiated through Project AWARE. 

Additionally, LEAs will be continuing MTSS initiatives such as Responsive Classroom Training for elementary school teachers; Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports district program expansions; hiring of more social workers and other mental health supports; family outreach; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion professional development for high school staff; and professional development/implementation of Yale Ruler.

The LEAs and their respective award totals are as follows:

• Bristol Warren - $396,694.50
• Central Falls - $424,263.23
• Chariho - $424,995.75
• Cranston - $422,116.75
• East Greenwich - $424,999.15
• Narragansett - $255,000.00
• North Providence - $425,000.33
• Pawtucket - $425,000.00
• Smithfield - $261,480.83
• Warwick - $424,359.00
• West Warwick - $425,001.08
• Woonsocket - $425,000.00

Total: $4,733,910.62

For more information on how RIDE is utilizing these grants, please visit our website and head to the Education Programs page.