Any Oklahoma public school district serving middle and/or high school students is eligible to apply if it has a board-adopted policy prohibiting student use of cell phones and personal electronic devices from bell to bell during the school day, and commits to maintaining that policy for three consecutive school years starting in 2025–2026.
Cellphone-Free Schools Grant Program
Program Overview
What is the Cellphone-Free Schools Grant Program?
The Cellphone-Free Schools Grant Program is a state-funded initiative to help Oklahoma public school districts create focused, distraction-free learning environments for middle and high school students. Administered by the Office of Educational Quality and Accountability (OEQA), the program provides reimbursement funding to support the purchase of secure storage solutions, such as lockable pouches or storage cabinets, for students’ cell phones and personal electronic devices during the school day.
What does the application process involve?
Districts must submit a complete application with required documentation to determine eligibility, calculate reimbursement, and process award disbursements. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
For assistance, contact info@oeqa.ok.gov.
Cellphone-Free Schools Grant Program – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No. Virtual schools are not eligible for this grant.
Yes. Charter schools are public schools.
Districts may receive reimbursement for up to 50% of the per-student cost, with a maximum reimbursement of $12.75 per student and a maximum total award of $50,000 per district.
Grant funds may be used to purchase secure storage equipment for middle and high school students, including:
- Security pouches (i.e. Yondr)
- Lockers or secured storage cabinets
- Other lockable solutions that meet the intent of the policy
Yes. While the districts are free to choose whichever provider they wish, OEQA has negotiated a statewide discounted rate for all Oklahoma school districts of $25.50/Yondr pouch. For more information review this info sheet and/or contact Yondr's Oklahoma Team.
Yes. Haskell Education (SW0070) provides 15-door, 25-door and 36-door cell phone lockers. Here's a link to access those products. For additional info about their offerings or to request a quote, contact Tim Kerfien at 616-278-1010 or via email at tkerfien@haskelloffice.com
No. The program only supports new equipment purchases made after grant approval. Previously purchased items are not eligible for reimbursement.
No. The grant only covers equipment purchases. Installation, training, and related services must be covered by the district.
The application can be found at Cellphone Free Grant Application.
Applications open at 9:00 am CDT on July 1, 2025.
Grants will be reviewed on a first-come, first-reviewed basis, starting July 1. OEQA reserves the right to consider application quality, district characteristics, and demonstrated need in final award determinations.
Award notifications will begin the week of July 14, 2025, and will continue until funds are exhausted.
Approved districts will receive funds via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) within a few business days of award acceptance.
Districts must submit:
- A copy of the board-adopted cellphone-free policy
- Enrollment counts for middle and high school students (October 1, 2024)
- Vendor and product details
- Cost estimates
- District Vendor ID for disbursement
All equipment purchased with grant funds must be in use during the 2025–2026 school year.
By November 1st, 2025, districts must submit a short report including:
- How funds were used
- Quantity and type of equipment purchased
- Number of students served
- Proof of purchase (receipt or invoice)
- Implementation observations (e.g., successes and challenges)
Yes. As a condition of funding, districts agree to participate in research conducted by OEQA. This may include surveys, interviews, or other data collection efforts aimed at understanding the impact of cellphone-free policies on student behavior, academic outcomes, and school culture. The insights gathered will help inform future policy and program development.
Please contact info@oeqa.ok.gov with any questions or technical issues.
Please note that these FAQs may be subject to change as more information becomes available.
Last Modified on
Jul 01, 2025
