(The Center Square) – Wisconsin’s Department of Public Instruction is receiving $10 million in federal funds over a five-year period for what it calls the recruitment, retention, and diversification of school counselors, school psychologists and school social workers.
The funds will be spent on expanding online certification options, developing a “Grow Your Own” program to recruit and train candidates and expanding the mental health options available to include telehealth school-based mental health professionals.
The department said the “Grow Your Own” program will be used to attract diverse candidates.
“I am grateful for the administration in recognizing the urgent need to improve mental health services in our schools,” DPI Superintendent Jill Underly said in a statement. “Together, we will work to ensure every student has access to the support they need to thrive.”
Wisconsin is one of 22 states receiving the grant and was one of six pilot states to receive the federal 2020 School Based Mental Health Professionals Grant.
