About the STOP Grant

The STOP School Violence Act of 2018 was created to improve school safety and security by providing students, teachers, and officers with the tools they need to recognize, respond quickly to, and prevent acts of violence. The STOP School Violence Act provides funds to the Department of Justice through the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) and the Office of Community Oriented Policing (COPS Office) to support grantees. Click here to learn more about grantee experiences and how NCSS provides training and technical assistance in support of their efforts.

The BJA offers three-year grants to states, units of local government, tribal government, public agencies, and nonprofit entities that include private schools to improve security within and on K-12 school grounds through evidence-based school safety strategies and initiatives. These grant-funded projects can include:

  • Training school staff and educating students on preventing violence against others and themselves including specialized training in responding to mental health crises.
  • Implementing technology solutions, such as anonymous reporting systems for threats of school violence, including mobile telephone applications, hotlines, and internet websites.
  • Developing and operating school threat assessment and intervention teams.

Learn more about the STOP BJA funding and see available funding opportunities here (https://bja.ojp.gov/program/stop-school-violence-program/overview). 

The COPS Office provides funding for evidence-based K-12 school safety programs and technology. Each award is three years in duration for a maximum of $500,000 per award, and there is a local match requirement. The STOP Grants available through the COPS Office, are often referred to as School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP) grants. These grant-funded projects can include:

  • Coordination with law enforcement.
  • Training for local law enforcement officers to prevent student violence against others and self.
  • Metal detectors, locks, lighting, and other deterrent measures.
  • Technology for expedited notification of local law enforcement during an emergency.

Learn more about the STOP COPS funding and see available funding opportunities here (https://cops.usdoj.gov/svpp).

The National Center for School Safety is funded to support both BJA and COPS STOP Grantees through technical assistance. This may include the request for technical assistance below.

Where are STOP Grantees? STOP grants have been awarded to organizations in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C.

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TA Services

NCSS offers personalized technical assistance to STOP grantees wherever they are in the lifespan of their grant. From generating buy-in from schools and districts, to finding, implementing and evaluating evidence-based practices, NCSS School Safety Specialists are available to work with you to make your STOP grant a success.

Your School Safety Specialist can help you:

  • Identify and build long-term relationships with community partners
  • Analyze training needs
  • Explore ways to implement your program(s)
  • Develop strategies for long-term success
  • Address other issues related to your program(s)

You can connect with your School Safety Specialist by scheduling a one-on-one meeting, joining your fellow grantees during quarterly NCSS STOP Training and Technical Assistance Meetings, or in our monthly TA Grantee Hours.

What should you do if you still have questions?

Email your School Safety Specialist to schedule a one-on-one meeting, or join the Technical Assistance Team for monthly TA Grantee Hours held every third Wednesday of the month from noon – 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. ET. Your School Safety Specialist can provide sign-on instructions.

Contact the TA Team