TEA Announces $20 Million Grant Program for Phone-Free Schools
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has published a new grant opportunity to help schools comply with state legislation requiring phone-free campuses. The 2025-2026 Phone Free Schools Grant Program (RFA #701-25-129) is now open for applications on the TEA Grant Opportunities Page.
Program Details
The program is authorized by SB1 Sec. 18.16 in contingency for House Bill 1481, which mandates that all school districts and open-enrollment charters adopt and implement a policy prohibiting the use of personal communication devices by students during the school day.
Key Information:
- Eligibility: Texas school districts and open-enrollment charter schools
- Grant Period: September 22, 2025 – August 31, 2026 (pre-award available starting June 20, 2025, if selected)
- Funding: Approximately $20 million is available statewide
- Application Deadline: September 8, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. CT
Purpose of the Grant
The goal of the Phone Free Schools Grant Program is to support school systems with the resources needed to enforce phone-free environments, helping improve student focus, reduce classroom disruptions, and promote healthier in-school interactions.
Schools interested in applying can find the full Request for Application (RFA) and submission details on the TEA Grant Opportunities Page.