The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has announced $75 million in grant funding is available to help schools make environmental repairs and improvements. 

According to the PDE, eliminating lead and asbestos along with other environmental contaminants in schools lowers cumulative exposure across childhood. It also leads to better cognitive and overall health outcomes for children, and increases the likelihood of academic and career success. 

The PDE's Public School Environmental Repairs Grant Program focuses on remediating and abating environmental hazards in schools to create the safe, healthy learning environment for students and staff. 

The PDE will be accepting applications from May 1, 2024 though June 30, 2024. Schools may apply for funding to remove the following hazards: lead in water sources, asbestos, mold, and more. 

Entities may apply for funding for eligible expenses incurred on or after July 1, 2023. 

Additionally, the 2023-24 budget also earmarked $100 million for the Department of Community and Economic Development's Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program. The program provides grants for heating and air condition upgrades. Applications will be accepted March 1. 

More information on the grant programs can be found here.