Skip To Main Content

Stronger Connections Grant (SCG) Program

About the Stronger Connection Grant 

The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) has been awarded funding under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), which allocates $1 billion to State educational agencies (SEAs) through Title IV, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA). These funds are designated for competitive subgrants to high-need local educational agencies (LEAs) to support safe and healthy students under Section 4108 of the ESEA. To distinguish these funds from the regular Title IV, Part A, Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants program, the Department has designated them as the Stronger Connections Grant (SCG) Program.

VIDE has received a total allocation of $809,852.00 for a three-year performance period, ending on September 30, 2025. As required, at least 95 percent of the Stronger Connections funds must be used to support safe and healthy student activities at the school level. Additionally, VIDE may reserve up to 5 percent of its allocation for State purposes, with up to 1 percent designated for SEA administration and the remaining funds used for State-level activities aligned with the grant's objectives.

Although the BSCA includes provisions for distributing funds on a competitive basis to "high-need" LEAs, VIDE operates as a unitary system. As such, certain requirements, such as competitive subgranting and the definition of high-need LEAs, do not apply. Instead, VIDE ensures that all funds awarded under the Stronger Connections Grant Program are equitably distributed across schools in alignment with the Safe and Healthy Students program's goals.

By drawing down funds under the SCG, VIDE assures that all expenditures by schools will:

  • Be used for activities allowable under Section 4108 of the ESEA to promote student safety and well-being.

  • Not be used for the provision of or training in the use of dangerous weapons, in accordance with Section 13401 of the BSCA, which amends Section 8526 of the ESEA.

  • Provide equitable services to students and teachers in non-public schools as required under Section 8501 of the ESEA.

VIDE remains committed to using these funds strategically to enhance school safety and support the well-being of all students in the Virgin Islands.

Grantee Information

Resources

Federal Guidance

Equitable Services to Private School Students

Under Section 8501 of Title VIII of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA), private, nonprofit elementary and secondary school students, teachers, and educational personnel are eligible to participate in federally funded programs on an equitable basis. Each school division must notify officials of private schools within its jurisdiction about their eligibility for participation in these programs.

To ensure compliance, the State Educational Agency (SEA) will:

  • Ensure that a public agency retains control over funds used for services and assistance provided to non-public schools with SCG funds.
  • Maintain title to all materials, equipment, and property purchased with SCG funds.
  • Ensure that services funded by SCG are provided directly by a public agency or through a contract with a public or private entity.
  • Guarantee that all equitable services provided with SCG funds are secular, neutral, and nonideological.
  • Ensure that funds are expended in accordance with the supplement, not supplant requirements outlined in Section 4110 of the ESEA.

This ensures that private school students receive equitable educational services while maintaining federal compliance.

Sample Affirmation of Consultation with Private Schools

SCG Annual Performance Report

The Stronger Connections Grant (SCG) Program Annual Performance Report (APR) is an information collection request for reporting the annual performance of the SCG program. Under the Education Department's General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR, Section 75.720) and consistent with assurance requirements, grantees are required to submit annual performance reports (APRs) and other information required by the Secretary. 

SCG APR: School Year 2022-2023

Stronger Connections Contact Information

Dr. Maria Melendez-Tirado - maria.melendez@vide.vi