Indiana Schools Secure $27.1 Million for Enhanced Safety Measures

Public and private schools across Northwest Indiana are set to receive a share of $27.1 million in state funding aimed at enhancing security and safety measures. The Indiana Department of Homeland Security announced the recipients of the 2026 Secured School Safety Grant on Tuesday, with a total of 494 schools benefiting from this funding initiative.

The primary use of these funds will be to support school resource officers—trained police personnel who work directly within schools. Last year, the state allocated $24 million for similar purposes, with approximately $17 million specifically designated for the employment of school resource officers. This year marks a significant milestone, as officials noted that requests for funding exceeded the program’s total budget for the first time.

In a bid to prioritize accessibility, the state prioritized first-time applicants, which included charter schools that are limited to receiving a maximum of $100,000 each. Schools have the option to match their funding contributions at rates of 25%, 50%, or 100%, depending on factors such as the district’s average daily membership and the total project cost.

Beyond funding for school resource officers, schools can allocate these grants towards various safety enhancements. These include technology upgrades, equipment such as active warning systems, firearms training for educators in schools that permit firearms, threat assessment services, and student-parent support programs.

Since the launch of the grant program in 2013, over $214 million has been designated for enhancing school safety across Indiana.

Local Schools and Their Grant Allocations

The following local schools have been awarded grants from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security:

– 21st Century Charter School – $46,250
– Andrean High School – $74,000
– Aspire Charter Academy – $38,067
– Bishop Noll – $41,121
– Charter School of the Dunes – $60,125
– Crown Point Christian School – $48,275
– Crown Point Community School Corp. – $80,098
– Forest Ridge Academy – $92,014
– Gary Community School Corp. – $92,500
– Gary Lighthouse Charter – $92,500
– Griffith Public Schools – $92,500
– Hammond Academy of Science & Technology – $23,125
– Hanover Community School Corp. – $92,500
– Higher Institute of Arts and Technology – $67,988
– Highland Christian School – $77,366
– Illiana Christian High School – $46,250
– Lake Central School Corp. – $92,500
– Lake Ridge New Tech Schools – $92,500
– Lake Station Community Schools – $46,250
– Merrillville Community School Corp. – $92,500
– Northwest Indiana Special Education Cooperative – $19,530
– Our Lady of Grace School – $9,305
– River Forest Community School Corp. – $75,280
– Saint Casimir School – $32,375
– Saint John the Evangelist School – $37,000
– Saint Mary Catholic Community School – $66,762
– School City of Hammond – $92,500
– School City of Hobart – $92,500
– School City of Whiting – $29,970
– School Town of Highland – $48,589
– School Town of Munster – $92,500
– St. Stanislaus School – $18,500
– Thea Bowman Leadership Academy – $78,898
– Tri-Creek School Corp. – $92,500
– Duneland School Corp. – $92,500
– East Porter County School Corp. – $92,500
– Emmanuel Baptist Academy – $32,375
– MSD of Boone Township – $45,928
– Portage Township Schools – $92,500
– Porter Township School Corp. – $92,500
– Saint Paul Catholic School – $18,786
– Union Township School Corp. – $83,250
– Valparaiso Community Schools – $92,500
– Victory Christian Academy – $46,250

The allocation of these grants underscores the growing commitment to improving safety in educational environments throughout Indiana, ensuring that schools are well-equipped to handle potential threats and provide a secure learning atmosphere for students and staff alike.