Funding a Random Student Drug Testing Program
Beginning in 2003, the Department of Education has conducted several discretionary grant competitions to help develop, implement, or expand mandatory or voluntary school-based random drug testing programs. Between 2003 and 2007, 87 grants were awarded that support student drug testing in more than 550 schools. In June 2008, 49 new student drug testing grants were awarded. Federal funds can be used to test students who participate in school-sponsored athletic programs and competitive, extracurricular activities; and those who, along with their parent or guardian, have given written consent to participate in a voluntary random drug testing program.
As awareness of drug testing has grown, more and more schools have implemented random testing programs, funding them from a variety of sources. Many find support from State grants or local businesses and civic organizations engaged in substance abuse prevention. Community anti-drug coalitions may also support random testing programs. Nelson County Schools in Bardstown, KY, has had success asking for donations from parents and community members to help support the cost of the drug testing kits. The county fiscal court also has donated money to the school district. Outreach to local organizations is important—and not just for funding. When schools work together with the communities they serve, young people hear a strong, unified message that drug use is unacceptable.
Sources of funding can be found online using key search words, e.g., drug prevention, youth protective factors, healthy choices, teen substance abuse, drug free youth. Alliances, consortia, and associations can be good resources with links to a wide variety of foundations. Many have searchable databases of grant opportunities of their member organizations. Listservs, such as the ONDCP Community Prevention Listserv, also announce grant opportunities. Other sources include revenue from Parent–Teacher Association fund-raising events, in-school vending machines, snack bars, and sales of school T-shirts, caps, and other merchandise.
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Helpful Links: Community Prevention Listserv: https://puborder.ncjrs.gov/Listservs/ONDCPComPrev/subscribe_ONDCPcomprev.asp Council on Foundations: http://www.cof.org The Foundation Center: http://www.FoundationCenter.org |