# Massachusetts Launches Cell Phone-Free Schools Grants

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has opened applications for a competitive grant program totaling **$1 million** aimed at reducing student cell phone distractions in schools. The grants support policy development, staff training, and equipment purchases to implement cell phone restrictions, enhancing student wellbeing and learning environments. Applications are due by **October 21, 2026**, and are part of a broader **$4.5 million** state initiative to promote safe and focused educational settings.

- This grant opportunity is managed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and supported by the Executive Office of Education, with involvement from key state officials including Governor Maura Healey and Education Secretary Steve Zrike.
- Procurement professionals should note the focus on technology and training-related purchases, which may create demand for vendors specializing in educational technology solutions and policy consulting.
- Schools and districts in Massachusetts should prepare proposals promptly to meet the October 21 deadline to access funding for implementing cell phone restrictions.
- This initiative signals increased state-level investment in educational environment improvements, potentially influencing future procurement priorities in student-focused technology and training services.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Education
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** September 25, 2026

### Government Entities
- Commonwealth of Massachusetts
- Executive Office of Education
- Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)
- Office of the Attorney General

### Key Quotes
> Cell phones and social media have fundamentally changed the environment our kids are growing up in, and schools and families need the tools to respond.
> — Maura Healey, Governor

> Reducing cell phone distractions is one concrete way schools can help students be more present for the learning, relationships and experiences happening around them.
> — Steve Zrike, Education Secretary

### Sources
- [Governor Healey Opens Applications for $1M in Cell Phone-Free Schools Grants | Mass.gov](https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-healey-opens-applications-for-1m-in-cell-phone-free-schools-grants-0) - MA