Department of Education Awards Millions in Funding For School Safety, Mental Health Resources

Department of Education Awards Millions in Funding For School Safety, Mental Health Resources

The majority of the $71.6 million in funding is going toward improving school climate, violence prevention and mental health services.

  • By Haley Samsel
  • October 14, 2019

The Department of Education has awarded $71.6 million in new funding dedicated to safety enhancements and mental health resources for students, the department announced on Oct. 8. 

Four grant programs reaching more than half of U.S. states will be on the receiving end of the new funding. The largest grant went to the School Climate Transformation Grant Program, which will help 69 school districts develop or enhance support systems for improving school climate. The program, which received $42.4 million, primarily focuses on districts serving rural and tribal areas. 

“Our nation's schools must be safe places to learn, where students feel connected and supported," Education Secretary Betsy DeVos said in a statement. "These grants allow local leaders to tailor their approach to school safety and mental health in ways that meet their students' individual needs and their particular school's unique challenges."

The Mental Health Demonstration Grant Program and Project Prevent received about $11 million each. While the mental health program aims to expand the pipeline of high-quality professionals providing mental health services to schools, Project Prevent provides schools with resources to identify and serve students affected by “pervasive violence,” according to the Education Department. 

In addition, the Trauma Recovery Demonstration Grant Program received about $6.7 million to fund its efforts in five states. In Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, Louisiana and Nevada, the program helps to develop resources for low-income families who have experienced trauma and provide mental health services to help improve their wellbeing.

About the Author

Haley Samsel is an Associate Content Editor for the Infrastructure Solutions Group at 1105 Media.

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