The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) announced grant funding today from the U.S. Department of Education to help meet the mental health needs of students in Alamance-Burlington Schools.
ABSS is one of eight schools across North Carolina to receive the funding to increase the number and diversity of mental health service providers in high-needs schools. Starting this month and continuing through 2027, these grants will help the state bolster the pipeline of school-based mental health service providers, including school counselors, school social workers and school mental health clinicians.
Provide intensive professional development related to trauma informed care, restorative practices, universal screening and assessment protocols, and crisis interventions.
“We are thrilled to be the recipient of this grant and are awaiting more details. This is definitely an area of need within our district that will benefit a multitude of students, Dr. Kristy Davis, ABSS Chief Student Services Officer.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt said funding from these two grants is critical to addressing the growing student mental health needs and in filling vacant school-based mental health positions.
“This funding is so important in terms of building capacity for mental health service professionals in schools,” Truitt said. “As an awardee of both grants, the agency is able to increase mental health support for students in designated North Carolina schools, while strengthening the future pipeline of school-based mental health providers through recruitment, retention and incentives.”
ABSS will use its funding to increase the number of licensed school-based mental health providers.