As we step into 2024, we're looking forward to continuing several promising initiatives, like Universal Free School Breakfast and the You've Got a Friend in PA pep talk phone line, in the new year. 

We believe that encouragement and support are vital elements in achieving collective success, and we are committed to providing and fostering a positive atmosphere for all members of our education community spread throughout the Commonwealth. 

We're excited to continue this journey of exploration as we delve into new opportunities unfolding at PDE this year. There's so much to discover, share, and celebrate together as we continue to provide exemplary education for all Pennsylvanians. 

 After extensive renovation, the historic Main Reading Room inside the Forum Building at the Pennsylvania Capitol Complex has been re-opened to the public. The State Library collects, preserves, and connects government, libraries, and residents to varied information and resources related to Pennsylvania, including an extensive collection of genealogy. For more information on the State Library of PA, visit State Library Resources.  

Currently, you can visit the State Library of Pennsylvania at 607 South Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17120. The hours of the Library are (with the exception of holidays):

Tuesday 10 AM – 4 PM
Wednesday 10 AM – 8 PM
Thursday 10 AM – 4 PM 

Want to learn how to tap into $5 billion in federal Clean School Bus funding?

School districts and bus transportation companies are invited to attend a series of Electric School Bus Education Workshops.  These free workshops will explore the costs and benefits of incorporating electric buses in school district transportation plans and lead participants to evaluate and access the substantial financial incentives currently available. Separate workshops are offered to provide more in-depth information on electric school bus and charging infrastructure technologies.  At the conclusion of these workshops, a limited number of interested school districts will be selected to receive free in-depth assistance from the technical consultant ERG to explore electrification at their specific location.  This program is offered by the PA Department of Environmental Protection through a grant from the US Department of Energy.

Workshop 1: School Bus Electrification Fundamentals & Incentives - covers the benefits of electric school buses, available financial incentives, total cost of ownership, maintenance and charging infrastructure. Three options to attend:

Workshop 2: Deeper Dive into Electric School Bus Technologies

Workshop 3: Deeper Dive into School Bus Electric Charging Infrastructure

Visit the Pennsylvania DEP Electric School Bus Education and Feedback Sessions page to learn more and/or register for any of the workshops.

Want to see more support for school transportation?

PADEP is conducting a School Bus Survey to gather information to tailor our education workshops and to inform decisions on potential future programs that support clean transportation. To participate in the short survey click here for School Bus Survey.

This month, the PA Hunger-Free Campus Grant was awarded to 30 of Pennsylvania's colleges and universities to further combat hunger on their campuses, totaling $1 million in awards granted. Grants are awarded to help schools address food insecurity on campus, including expanding access to food options, creating awareness initiatives, and upgrading facilities.

Visit our website to view the full list of awardees at 2023-2024 PA Hunger-Free Campus Grant Awardees.

This month, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency's (PCCD) School Safety & Security Committee announced the FY 2023-2024 School Safety Grant solicitation process is now open.

The PCCD encourages interest applicants to register for their upcoming webinars, which serve as a helpful tool to answer questions you may have related to one or more of the open funding solicitations. Please register using the links below.

For assistance in learning about what grant opportunities are available to you, please select the appropriate entity below. 

The deadline for applications under this solicitation is Thursday, February 29, 2024. For more information, please visit our School Safety and Security and Active Funding Announcements webpages.

Have you checked out the insights and updates in our longstanding blog, "School of Thought"? From messages from the Secretary of Education, to informative articles about how you can support PDE initiatives like the Governor's School Breakfast Challenge, and even our recommendations for school field trips in Central PA, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Dive into the exciting world of PDE and discover something new! 

Need to opt out of our emails? We understand, but we're sad to see you go! You can opt out of receiving these emails in the footer below.