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 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 Support

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 pages 46-47 of the Request for Proposal (RFP) for a list of eligible LEAs.

Total Funding Available

Approximately $825,000

Funding Detail

Approximately 5 subgrants, with awards ranging from $50,000 to $200,000. Award amounts will be determined based on the quality of applications received and total funding requested.

Project Term

January 1, 2026, through July 31, 2026

Application Due Date

February 6, 2026

Technical Assistance Session

The SCDE’s Office of Student Support (OSS) will offer a pre-application technical assistance webinar via Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Participants will be able to log in 15 minutes prior to the start of the session to complete verifications, test their equipment’s audio settings, and download related documents. 

Documents

Request for Proposals (DOCX, 1.09mb - 12/15/25)
Application Link
Budget Narrative Template (XLS, 19.4kb - 12/15/25)

Program Web Page

South Carolina School Safety