Menendez, Booker Announce $851K in Federal Funding to Help Newark Schools Reduce Violence

Over $4.26M in funding expected over next 5 years

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker today announced $851,358 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education’s ‘Project Prevent’ to help Newark Public Schools reduce the rate of violence by offering students mental health services, social and emotional support to help address the effects of violence, and promote conflict resolution and other school-based strategies.

“Breaking the cycle of violence and the trauma associated with it starts by addressing it at a young age and helping children learn how to properly resolve conflicts and handle adversity,” said Sen. Menendez.  “Like many urban areas across New Jersey and the country, Newark has seen its share of violence and the toll it takes on the city.  But these critical federal resources will help address those challenges and make the city a safer place for our children and families.”

“Our schools are not only places for learning, but often deliver vital support services that help develop students to reach their full potential,” said Sen. Booker, who lives in Newark. “While violence in our society too often seeps into our schools, we must invest in prevention strategies to give students the social and emotional support they need to cope with trauma and the effects of violence. These federal resources will allow Newark schools to significantly impact the lives of thousands of students.”

Newark’s Board of Education’s ‘Project Prevent Newark’ is expected to receive a total of $4,256,925 over the span of five years to help reduce violence throughout the city. By the third year of the project, it will impact 9,000 students. As more schools are added to the project, the number of students impacted will increase significantly.