---
kind: "section"
citation: "20 U.S.C. § 5963"
title: "20"
title_heading: "Education"
number: "5963"
heading: "Eligible applicants"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/20/5963"
units:
  - "Chapter 68 — National Education Reform"
  - "Subchapter VII — Safe Schools"
---

# §5963. Eligible applicants

- (a) **In general—** To be eligible to receive a grant under this subchapter, a [local educational agency](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-6) shall demonstrate in the application submitted pursuant to [section 5964(a) of this title](/usc/20/5964.md?p=a) that such agency—
  - (1) serves an area in which there is a high rate of—
    - (A) homicides committed by [persons](/usc/20/6082.md?p=3) between the ages 5 to 18, inclusive;
    - (B) referrals of youth to juvenile court;
    - (C) youth under the supervision of the courts;
    - (D) expulsions and suspensions of students from [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11);
    - (E) referrals of youth, for disciplinary reasons, to alternative [schools](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11); or
    - (F) victimization of youth by violence, crime, or other forms of abuse; and
  - (2) has serious [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) crime, violence, and discipline problems, as indicated by other appropriate data.
- (b) **Priority—** In awarding grants under this subchapter, the [Secretary](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-12) shall give priority to a [local educational agency](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-6) that submits an application that assures a strong local commitment to the projects or activities assisted under this subchapter, such as—
  - (1) the formation of partnerships among the [local educational agency](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-6), a [community](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-3)-based organization, a nonprofit organization with a demonstrated commitment to or expertise in developing education programs or providing educational services to students or the [public](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-3), a local law enforcement agency, or any combination thereof; and
  - (2) a high level of youth participation in such projects or activities.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 103–227, title VII, § 703, Mar. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 205.)