MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) was recently awarded federal grant funding to address Wisconsin students’ mental health needs. The grant will go toward increasing mental health staff capacity in schools.

What You Need To Know

  • The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) was recently awarded federal grant funding to address Wisconsin students’ mental health needs

  • Acquired funds will increase recruitment, retention and hiring diverse mental health staff

  • In order to reach these goals, DPI said it plans to extend online certification pathways from high school to post-graduate programming

  • Additionally, DPI said it will develop a “Grow Your Own” initiative to attract diverse candidates and expand access to school-based mental health professionals

The five-year grant, awarded by the U.S. Department of Education, is valued at $10 million. It’s part of the 2024 School-Based Mental Health Professionals Grant Program.

Building off the successes of DPI’s 2020 School Based Mental Health Professionals Grant Program, this new grant will continue to support school districts in having adequate mental health staffing. The DPI was one of 22 grant recipients across the nation to receive this funding.

Previously, DPI received a 2020 School Based Mental Health Professional grant. DPI was selected as a pilot state for the federal program, which also offered a five-year, $10 million grant.

Money has been used to reduce the ratio of students to school-based mental health professionals by 14% in participating education agencies. Nearly 350 school-based mental health professionals have been hired since the 2021-2022 school year. Additionally, enrollment in nine University of Wisconsin graduate pupil services certification programs has surged by 487 new students over the last two years.

“I am grateful for the administration in recognizing the urgent need to improve mental health services in our schools. Together, we will work to ensure every student has access to the support they need to thrive,” State Superintendent Jill Underly said.

Acquired funds will increase recruitment, retention and hiring diverse mental health staff. In order to reach these goals, DPI said it plans to extend online certification pathways from high school to post-graduate programming. Additionally, DPI said it will develop a “Grow Your Own” initiative to attract diverse candidates and expand access to school-based mental health professionals.

Project initiatives will also prioritize attracting individuals who reflect the racial and ethnic diversity of the Wisconsin population. More information on the 2024 School-Based Mental Health Professional Grant will be provided once available on the DPI’s website.

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