State Reps. Tim Twardzik, Jamie Barton, Dane Watro, and JoAnne Stehr, along with Sen. Dave Argall, announced that grants through Pennsylvania's Targeted School Safety for Nonpublic Schools Program have been awarded to Nativity BVM High School in Pottsville and River Rock Academy in Cressona.
Nativity BVM High School was awarded $36,555, while River Rock Academy received $50,840, bringing the total investment in Schuylkill County schools to $87,395.
The grants are intended to help schools improve safety and security measures, address student mental health needs, and support violence prevention efforts.
"Every student deserves to learn in a safe and secure environment," Twardzik said. "These grants will help Nativity BVM High School and River Rock Academy strengthen their safety and security measures, providing greater peace of mind for students, families, educators and staff. Investing in school safety is an investment in our children and our communities, and I am pleased to see these resources coming to Schuylkill County."
Barton said the funding will help schools create safer and more supportive learning environments.
"This investment will make a meaningful difference in creating safer, more supportive learning environments for our students, staff and families," Barton said. "We are deeply grateful for the well-being of our school community and for the chance to empower schools to take important steps toward prevention and early intervention."
Watro emphasized the role the funding will play in both physical security and student well-being.
"Every student deserves to learn in an environment where they feel safe, supported and protected," Watro said. "These grants will help our nonpublic schools strengthen security, address mental health needs and take proactive steps to prevent violence."
Stehr noted that school safety remains a key component of student success.
"Keeping our schools safe is fundamental to supporting student success," Stehr said. "These grants provide important resources to help schools and safety partners strengthen security measures and expand supports that promote a healthy learning environment. I am grateful to see continued investment in protecting students, educators and school communities across Pennsylvania."
Argall said he was pleased to see the competitive funding awarded locally.
"Every student and educator deserves to feel safe at school," Argall said. "I am pleased this highly competitive funding was awarded to Nativity BVM High School and River Rock Academy."
The Targeted School Safety for Nonpublic Schools Program is administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. The program provides funding to nonpublic schools to address school violence prevention efforts and student mental health needs. Funding is also available to municipalities, law enforcement agencies, and approved school security personnel vendors that provide security services to public and nonpublic schools.