New training grant serves preservice school psychologists and pre-K to 8th grade students
Crane faculty associate Dr. Scott Graves was recently awarded a five-year, $5.2 million training grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The purpose of this award is three-fold:
To increase the number of highly qualified school psychologists to provide mental health services in schools with high need.
To improve the quality and quantity of mental health services accessed for students in these schools.
To increase the number of underrepresented school psychologists.
Dr. Graves said of the award and its potential to impact the field:
“We know that supporting students’ mental health is critical to their future success both in academics and in life. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, 70% of public schools have reported an increase in the number of students seeking mental health care. For children who experience additional stressors due to racism, receiving services from someone with a similar background is key to giving them the support and understanding they need and deserve.”
This grant will provide training and hiring for 44 preservice school psychologists to provide mental health services to an estimated 4500 children per project year in the Columbus City School district.