USDE cancels $10 million grant to Wisconsin designed to increase mental health staffing in schools
MADISON — State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly today condemned the federal government’s abrupt decision to terminate a vital $10 million grant aimed at expanding school-based mental health services in Wisconsin. The grant, awarded in 2024 and intended to span five years, was a lifeline for schools in meeting the growing mental health needs of their students.
“At a time when communities are urgently asking for help serving mental health needs, this decision is indefensible,” Dr. Underly said. “These funds – which Wisconsin used to make meaningful change for our schools – were helping districts and our higher education partners develop new mental health professionals, providing a career opportunity for our current high schoolers. This action takes resources away from Wisconsin and disrupts the success efforts we’ve made to ensure qualified individuals are serving our kids.”
On Tuesday, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction received notification from the U.S. Department of Education that it was terminating the 2024 School-Based Mental Health Professionals Grant Program, citing that it “no longer effectuates the best interest of the federal government.” The funding was part of a nationwide initiative to increase the number of school-based mental health professionals, including school counselors, psychologists, and social workers. Grant funding was already being used to expand online certification pathways, support “grow your own” programs for future school mental health providers and offer statewide training and professional development to improve retention rates.
Wisconsin was one of 22 states to receive the grant award last year, building on the success of the DPI’s 2020 pilot program (the 2020 grant is not impacted by this non-continuation). The state saw a 14 percent reduction in the student-to-school based mental health professional ratio in participating local education agencies. Additionally, 487 new students enrolled in University of Wisconsin System graduate pupil services certification programs, and since the 2021-22 school year, 348 new mental health professionals have been hired to serve in local education agencies. More information on the impact of this grant can be found in this resource.
“Kids don’t get a chance to do-over their school experience while the federal government recalibrates its political agenda,” Dr. Underly continued. “Federal funds are a critical part of our infrastructure, and these disruptions need to stop.”
At this time, it is the DPI’s understanding that the 2024 SBMHP’s initial of funding, which is already in progress, will remain through Dec. 31. 2025. However, the remaining four years – totaling $8 million – will be canceled.
The DPI remains committed to exploring avenues to support mental health services for Wisconsin students despite the setback. Gov. Tony Evers’ biennial budget request, which incorporates many of Dr. Underly’s provisions, seeks to provide a historic investment in student mental health services and staffing. More information on the budget request can be found on the DPI’s website.
The DPI has also developed a webpage showing the impact of federal funding on Wisconsin’s schools and libraries. The page features interactive maps and downloadable one-page fact sheets designed to inform and engage the public. An official photo of Dr. Underly is also available for download on the DPI’s website.
