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The “Recover From COVID School Program” will provide funds to match school district investments in student mental healthcare services and learning loss. A separate $8.3 million program is aimed at sustaining new school-based mental healthcare clinics.
“The effects of the pandemic on our students were devastating and irreversible,” Hochul said. “That’s why we’re making historic investments to address learning loss and expand mental health support in our schools. By pinpointing where students have fallen behind and getting them the mental health resources they need, this funding will help put New York students back on the path towards success.”
As part of the grant program, school districts and BOCES can group together or apply separately for funding to support a program they themselves have developed and implemented, with grant money covering 50% of a project's startup and ongoing costs.
Eligible for funding will be programs that expand student access to mental healthcare professionals, intervention and educational efforts and other school-based practices that promote mental well-being.
“These grants will supplement the efforts already underway in our schools to address the pandemic-related trauma and meet the needs of students still struggling with academic, attendance and mental health issues,” said state Education Commissioner Betty Rosa. “Traumatic experiences can affect all aspects of learning. Every child deserves access to a quality education, and these funds will enable our educators to deliver critical support to the students most impacted by the pandemic.”