Rep. Sykes Announces More Than $1 Million in Department of Justice Grants Awarded To Akron Public Schools, Autism Society of Greater Akron
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced the U.S. Department of Justice has awarded two grants to Ohio’s 13th Congressional District totaling $1,006,144.
“Bringing federal dollars back to our communities is one of my most important responsibilities as the Congresswoman for Ohio’s 13th Congressional District. Thanks to legislation like the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, these projects will make our communities safer by equipping our teachers and first responders with the resources they need to better support at-risk students and individuals with autism," said Rep. Sykes. “Congratulations to both Akron Public Schools and the Autism Society of Greater Akron for their innovative work to make sure every person in our district can feel safe and secure.”
The grant recipients and award amounts are listed below:
Akron Public Schools (APS)
- Program Title: Bureau of Justice Assistance’s STOP School Violence Program
- Award Amount: $856,311
- Description: APS will use these funds to implement professional development, in-class coaching, and individualized student support for all staff and faculty at up to three targeted schools within its Garfield Cluster with the intent of significantly reducing suspension, inner-district transfers, and expulsions while supporting our students, educators, and families. These supports include social-emotional skill development, conflict resolution, restorative practices, and specific interventions to identify and address individual barriers.
Autism Society of Greater Akron
- Program Title: The Kevin and Avonte Program: Reducing Injury and Death of Missing Individuals with Dementia and Developmental Disabilities
- Award Amount: $149,833
- Description: The Autism Society of Greater Akron (ASGA) is partnering with the Safety on the Spectrum and Accessible Aquatics programs with the Autism Society of America (ASA). The purpose is to improve interactions between first responders and the Autism community who are prone to wandering and elopement, and who have an increased propensity to suffer water submersion injuries and drowning deaths. Project activities include developing a "train-the-trainer" approach to provide both in-person and online training to first responders to identify and assist those wandering from safety and to train leaders and program partners to provide a standardized person-centered water safety program.
The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, passed in the 117th Congress, is the first major federal gun safety bill passed in nearly 30 years. The law closed gun law loopholes and implemented new gun violence prevention policies, as well as made significant investments in school and community safety that are saving lives.
For more information about grant opportunities and assistance, visit sykes.house.gov/grants for valuable information and resources that can help local organizations continue to make a meaningful impact in our community.