On Wednesday, Governor Kathy Hochul announced up to $50 million in available funding for school districts to improve access to mental health resources and support services.
A total of up to $10 million annually over five years is available to eligible New York school districts, announced Hochul on Wednesday, March 30.
Awards are capped at $500,000 per applicant each year. A Request for Proposals has been issued by the New York State Office of Mental Health, who will administer the program.
Eligible proposals will meet the following goals:
- Enhance access to mental health services
- Implement integrated mental health supports
- Strengthen partnerships with existing supports within the mental health system as well as the larger child-serving system
Proposals will be scored and awards issued to the highest-scoring applications.
“Young students have been particularly hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, suffering disruptions in their education, social lives and recreational activities and opportunities,” said Hochul in a press release. “I have heard the concerns from many parents and educators about the impact that COVID-19 has had on our children’s well-being. This funding will help ensure that every student who has experienced trauma that has impacted their education can receive the necessary mental health resources they need and deserve.”
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