Massachusetts Opened Phone-Free Schools Grant Program

The Healey-Driscoll Administration has launched a $1 million grant program to help districts restrict student phone usage.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Financial Aid

Massachusetts Opened Phone-Free Schools Grant Program

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Should local schools restrict student mobile device use during the school day to improve learning?

The Massachusetts administration has opened applications for $1 million in competitive grants designed to help schools create phone-free environments. This initiative is part of a larger $4.5 million state effort to bolster student support and well-being.

Why it matters

The funding aims to eliminate classroom distractions and help students better focus on learning. By providing resources for staff training and storage equipment, the state hopes to establish consistent policies across local districts.

Massachusetts has allocated $1 million for new cell phone-free grants, drawing from a total state initiative of $4.5 million for student support. Additionally, the Attorney General has established a separate $500,000 support grant program.

The players

Healey-Driscoll Administration

This is the executive branch of the Massachusetts state government led by Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll.

Attorney General's Office

This state department serves as the chief law enforcement and legal office for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

The details

School districts in Massachusetts can use the funds to purchase equipment such as storage pouches and charging stations, alongside implementing new school-wide policies. The program follows the release of a 2025 state toolkit intended to help school leaders manage digital literacy and device policies.

A 2023-2024 pilot program awarded $1.3 million to 77 school districts.
The state released a toolkit for school policies in 2025.
Grant applications must be submitted by October 21, 2026.

Culture Shift

This initiative follows the release of the 2025 Cell Phones and Social Media in Schools toolkit to standardize digital restrictions across districts. It represents a broader state-level effort to prioritize student attention and mitigate the influence of social media in academic environments.

Districts that secure these grants will be able to implement dedicated phone storage systems and staff training without relying solely on local budget reserves. Parents and students should expect to see new, standardized device policies in participating districts throughout the state.

The takeaway

School districts looking to minimize digital distractions should leverage these state resources to fund necessary infrastructure like secure storage pouches. Adopting consistent, campus-wide policies can significantly improve student focus during the school day.