Alle-Kiski Valley school districts will get money from the state to keep bathrooms stocked with hygiene care.
About $3 million allocated in the state budget is being distributed to districts across the state.
Locally, the breakdown includes about $7,600 for Fox Chapel Area; $5,800 for Kiski Area; $3,600 for Highlands; $3,500 for New Kensington-Arnold; $3,100 for Freeport Area; $3,000 each for Burrell and Deer Lakes; $1,600 for Allegheny Valley; and $1,100 for Leechburg Area.
The money provides access to feminine hygiene products at no cost to students.
Schools receive funding at a rate of $1.79 per student.
“Free period products in Pennsylvania schools help ensure that more than 650,000 girls have peace of mind so they can focus on their education,” state Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen said in a press release.
Carrie Rowe, state secretary of education, said that for many students, worrying about access to period products is a quiet but real barrier to learning.
“Access to free period products in schools helps ensure that students do not miss class, leave school early, or carry unnecessary stress over something that should never stand in the way of their education,” Rowe said in a statement.
Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed budget for 2026-27 includes another $3 million to continue the initiative.
Prior to state funding, several districts, including Highlands, received help from a Washington & Jefferson student who founded a nonprofit to provide Menstruation Stations at middle and high schools.