INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — More than 3,200 hand-held metal detectors have been requested by schools across Indiana through a state program aimed at improving student safety.

Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb announced the program in early July, which provides the devices to school officials free of charge.

The first batch of metal detectors should arrive sometime in August. Other schools that did not place an order will have another chance to do so this fall.

Holcomb’s program allows schools to receive one metal detector for every 250 students.

State officials have also hope to boost safety through a grant program that helps schools afford security improvements.

The metal detector program was announced after a Noblesville middle school student opened fire in a classroom in May, wounding his teacher and another student.