SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Emergency Management Agency will award $25 million in grants to public elementary and secondary school districts, community colleges and state universities through the Illinois School Security Grant Program.
“Student safety is a top priority for every school district and college campus in Illinois,” said IEMA Director Jonathon Monken. “Through these grants, we can support efforts to enhance school and campus security throughout the state.”
Based on a review of national crisis situations and consultation with key security experts, the state prioritized protective measures, such as installing reinforced doors, shatter-resistance glass and physical locks for the primary public entrance at schools, to protect students and staff. Schools that have achieved this baseline capability will be able to implement other security measures for public elementary and secondary school districts.
Public community colleges and universities may request funding to install physical security enhancement equipment, inspection and screening systems, information technology and interoperable communication equipment for academic classroom buildings.
Grant applications are due no later than Friday, March 14. Applications will be evaluated on a number of criteria, including known hazards, threats and risks; ability of the project to enhance student safety; existence of a current Emergency Operations Plan at the facility where the project is planned; ability to complete the project within the grant period; and more.
Grant awards are expected to be announced this spring.
More information about the Illinois School Security Grant Program is available at www.Ready.Illinois.gov.
