SANTA FE, N.M. – New Mexico is offering $1 million in grants to help schools enforce student phone limits during the school day.

The New Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion and the New Mexico Public Education Department announced the grant program in Santa Fe.

OBAE is providing the money to help PED support 89 school districts and 100 charter schools that have already implemented the new policy.

State leaders said school districts and charter schools can apply for the money after putting a policy in place to limit students from using phones and other personal wireless communication devices during the school day.

“Every student deserves a learning environment where they can focus, engage with their teachers and classmates and reach their full potential free from unnecessary distractions,” said Mariana Padilla, secretary of the New Mexico Public Education Department.

The state said nationwide studies have shown limiting electronic devices can support anti-bullying efforts and promote social emotional health among students.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed the school anti-distraction policy bill in April 2025. The law requires every school district and charter school to develop and enforce its own rules.

The law includes exceptions for student medical needs and emergencies.

“Part of OBAE’s mission is to ensure every school and student has access to the internet and the digital tools to be successful,” said Jeff Lopez, OBAE director. “Today, that means balancing access with tools to limit distractions and mitigate social media’s harms to mental health.”

The state said the money can pay for network firewalls, lockers to store phones or locking bags that block Wi-Fi signals.

Schools must submit applications by Aug. 14 to be considered. The funding is limited and OBAE said it will process and fund applications on a first-come, first-serve basis.

If applications exceed available funding, OBAE said it will roll them over to the following fiscal year.

Schools can apply for an OBAE grant here.