SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois School and Campus Safety Grant Program awarded funding to Winnebago County schools and colleges to improve school safety and security. Local schools are set to receive more than $48,000 for the projects.

"This is an excellent opportunity to improve local schools and the safety of our children," Stadelman said. "The safety grants are possible because of the work we have done to ensure that students in K-12 deserve a safe learning environment just like those in higher education."

Earlier this year, State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) sponsored a measure that allows the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) to make grants for safety and security improvements to various public K-12 school districts and area vocation centers as well as colleges and universities.