Eight nonpublic schools in Lycoming, Tioga and Bradford counties have been awarded nearly $450,000 in Targeted School Safety Grants through Pennsylvania’s School Safety and Security Committee, according to state Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock Township.

“School safety requires constant attention and preparation,” Yaw said, according to a news release. “These awards will help schools invest in the tools, personnel and programs needed to strengthen security measures and make targeted improvements that support a more productive learning environment.”

St. John Neumann High School was awarded $73,500, St. John Neumann Regional Academy Elementary was awarded $73,800 and the Williamsport campus of River Rock Academy was awarded $56,090. New Covenant Academy in Tioga County was awarded $52,812.

Grants of about $72,000, $54,000, $36,000 and $29,000 were awarded to four schools in Bradford County.

The School Safety and Security Committee was established within the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency through Act 44 of 2018. The Targeted School Safety for Nonpublic Schools Grant Program provides funding to nonpublic schools to address school violence prevention and student mental health needs, the news release said. Funding is also available to municipalities, law enforcement agencies and approved school security personnel vendors that provide school security services to public and nonpublic schools.