Back to School Transition Programming Grant

The Back to School Transition Programming Grant 2025 is administered by the Oklahoma State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (SAG) through funds allocated from the federal Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (JJDP) Formula Grant Program, which is under the jurisdiction of the United States Department of Justice. The grant program aims to support positive youth development by funding initiatives that help youth aged 13 to 18 transition successfully back to school while preventing juvenile delinquency. SAG consists of members appointed by the Governor and draws from both public and private sectors. This grant specifically targets the development of protective factors, life skills, and school readiness to decrease further juvenile justice system involvement. Funding under this program is open to a wide range of public agencies and private nonprofit organizations. Eligible applicants include units of local government, school districts, Tribal Nations, and private nonprofit entities primarily engaged in scientific, educational, charitable, or other secular public service purposes and are not under public supervision. These organizations must have valid 501(c)(3) status. Additional criteria exist for nonprofit organizations seeking tribal pass-through funding, which must be designated by a Tribal Nation and provide written certification of prior denied funding from a local government entity. The program will fund initiatives across both urban and rural communities within Oklahoma. A total of $470,000 is available, with specific award limits: up to $50,000 for private nonprofits and up to $250,000 for local governments, school districts, or Tribal Nations. Projects should focus on developing essential life and school readiness skills and offer personal growth opportunities. These include problem-solving, communication, time management, self-discipline, emotional regulation, and other competencies needed to navigate school and life successfully. Programs must demonstrate evidence-based or promising practices, include measurable outcomes, and align with the four core protections of the JJDP Act: deinstitutionalization of status offenders, removal from adult jails, sight and sound separation, and reduction of racial and ethnic disparities. The application packet must include a project narrative with a defined issue description, project design, goals and objectives, deliverables, data collection plans, and a description of program capabilities. Applicants must also highlight partnerships and show how youth voices are integrated into planning and implementation. Required documents include nine specific forms, a CPA certification letter, and nonprofit verification materials if applicable. Applications must be submitted in PDF format with appropriate signatures by 11:59 PM CST on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. Evaluation of proposals will be conducted by the Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA) and the SAG. Each application will be scored on multiple components including narrative quality, data handling, organizational competency, and partnerships. Scores will be used to generate funding recommendations, which will be presented to the Board of Juvenile Affairs. Final funding decisions and notifications to applicants will follow shortly thereafter. All submitted materials, including scores and rankings, are subject to public disclosure under the Oklahoma Open Records Act. For questions, applicants may contact ojjdpgrants@oja.ok.gov and expect a response within 24 business hours.

Include evidence-based programming and measurable outcomes Engage youth in project design and evaluation Ensure all forms are correctly completed and signed Submit complete application in PDF format