Who May Apply: Local education agencies (LEAs) and institutions of higher education (IHEs) that have experienced a traumatic event of such magnitude as to severely disrupt the teaching and learning environment.

In order for an LEA or IHE to qualify for funding, the organization needs to be able to demonstrate that the learning environment has been disrupted as the result of a significant, traumatic event. An LEA or IHE that experienced a traumatic or violent event that disrupted teaching and learning may be eligible for services under Project SERV if the LEA or IHE is able to:

1. Demonstrate the traumatic effect on the learning environment including how the event has disrupted teaching and learning; and
2. Demonstrate that the needed services cannot be adequately provided with existing resources in a comprehensive and timely manner, and that the provision of services and assistance will result in an undue financial hardship on the LEA or IHE.

Project SERV funds have been awarded and used to address needs related to each of the following types of events:

• School shootings
• Suicide clusters
• Terrorism (response to 9/11, Washington, DC sniper incident, Virginia Tech)
• Major natural disasters, (e.g. response to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria)
• School bus accidents
• Student homicides (off campus)
• Hate crimes committed against students, faculty members and/or staff

It is important to note that this list is not exhaustive and that any traumatic event that impacts schools, students, and staff may qualify an LEA or IHE for Project SERV funding.