Oct. 17, 2022
WASHINGTON - The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a $2.6 million award to support mental health services and professionals in schools. The grant, approved by the US Department of Education, aims to enhance mental health resources and address the rising mental health crisis among pre-kindergarten to grade 12 students.
This landmark initiative is part of the broader Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), which focuses on prioritizing the well-being of students. U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "The alarming state of youth mental health across the country necessitates decisive action. Leveraging the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, we are committing to unprecedented investments in our schools to elevate both the academic and emotional well-being of our students."
As part of the grant, the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System will establish the Mental Health Evaluation, Training, Research, and Innovation Center for Schools (METRICS). This national center will provide crucial resources and training materials for educators, aiming to increase the number of qualified mental health providers in educational settings.
METRICS will work in conjunction with the Department of Education's existing School-Based Mental Health (SBMH) and Mental Health Services Professionals (MHSP) programs. The grant will directly benefit 264 new grantees under these programs, offering support and resources to state educational agencies (SEAs), local educational agencies (LEAs), and institutions of higher education (IHEs).
In addition to supporting existing programs, METRICS will distribute a suite of resources to educational institutions nationwide. These resources will assist schools in launching high-quality projects that cater to the diverse social, emotional, and mental health needs of students from pre-kindergarten to grade 12.
The Biden-Harris Administration's investment in mental health services and professional training in schools underscores their commitment to addressing the critical mental health challenges faced by young people today. With this funding, schools will have the necessary support to provide comprehensive mental health resources and support to students, ensuring their overall well-being and academic success.
