Governor DeWine announces $7.5M in campus safety grants for colleges and universities; SSCC to receive $427K
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine Monday announced that 28 colleges and universities in Ohio will receive a total of $7.5 million in funding for security projects that enhance the safety of students and staff.
Locally, Southern State Community College will receive a $427,693.12 grant.
“Ohio remains committed to ensuring our colleges and universities have the resources they need to make their campuses as safe as possible,” said Governor DeWine. “These grants will allow us to continue this important work so students can focus on thriving in their studies, chasing their career goals, and reaching their full potential.”
The grant awards are part of the FY2025-26 Campus Safety Grant Program, which was funded with support from the Ohio legislature in House Bill 2 of the 135th General Assembly. The Ohio School Safety Center, which is a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, reviewed the campus safety grant applications in consultation with the Ohio Department of Higher Education.
Funds will be used to cover expenses associated with physical security enhancements, such as security cameras, fencing, lighting, door locks, portable surveillance trailers, radios, drones and more.
“I commend Governor DeWine and the General Assembly for continuing to prioritize campus safety, which is a critical part of a successful college experience for all students,” said Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Mike Duffey. “These grants provide continued support to our campuses in their efforts to provide a safe learning environment.”
“It is important to create an environment on our campuses where students feel secure and can focus on learning,” said Andy Wilson, Director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety. “Without question, these grants will improve safety and security across the state.”
To be eligible for grant funding, colleges and universities conducted a security and vulnerability assessment to identify areas in need of safety enhancements.
A list of Campus Safety Grant awards can be found at https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/OHIOGOVERNOR/2025/01/13/fil….
Since its creation in 2021, a total of approximately $17.5 million in funding has now been awarded through the Ohio School Safety Center's Campus Safety Grant Program, with previous rounds of grant awards announced in August 2021 and November 2022.
Governor DeWine created the Ohio School Safety Center in 2019 to assist local schools, colleges and universities, and law enforcement agencies to prevent, prepare for, and respond to threats and acts of violence, including self-harm, through a holistic, solutions-based approach to improving school safety.
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