Massachusetts public school districts, charter schools and educational collaboratives can apply for grants of up to $60,000 to teach students about online safety and responsible social media use.
Gov. Maura Healey announced the $1.75 million Safe, Healthy and Responsible Digital Life Grant Program on Oct. 14 during a visit to Peabody Veterans Memorial High School. Applications are due Nov. 9 at 5 p.m.
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education expects to award approximately 25 to 30 grants. Funded work must be completed by June 30, 2027.
Eligible uses include classroom instruction, teaching materials, educator training and resources for families. Lessons can address cyberbullying, protection of personal information and recognition of false or misleading material, including content generated by artificial intelligence.
Each recipient must reserve $25,000 of its award for services from a department-approved vendor, including professional learning and data collection. That required payment comes out of the grant; it is not additional funding.
The school grants are part of a $2 million state budget allocation. A separate $250,000 will support review of instructional materials and development of educational videos and other resources.
Applications must complete the required fiscal and superintendent or chief executive approvals in the state's online grant system by the deadline. The department's application page lists the steps and eligibility requirements.
Sources
State grant announcement and application information
DESE application requirements, vendor set-aside and deadline
Image: Office of the Governor of Massachusetts / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain.
