Posted on August 15, 2023
In a press release, the State Department of Education announced the state will release more than $4.5 million in funding for 48 school districts and summer camp programs across Connecticut that will be used to support the delivery of mental health services for students during the summer months over a three-year period.
Derby’s The Recreation Camp and the Seymour School District are slated to receive a portion of these funds.
Awarded under the Connecticut State Department of Education’s Summer Mental Health Supports Grant program, the grants for each district and summer camp program range from $12,000 to $50,000 in each of the first two years and are reduced to 70% of that amount in year three. The competitive grant program is utilizing funding the state received from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). This is the third of three rounds of grants the department is releasing with ARPA funding that are aimed at increasing access to mental health support services for youths in schools. Eligible costs incurred beginning in summer 2023 through summer 2025 are reimbursable under this grant program.
Grant recipients will be required to attend a training session and complete the compliance documents for the use of ARPA funding. A notification for the training will be sent to the recipients.
Education Commissioner Russell-Tucker said, “This investment further underscores our commitment to collaboration across various sectors, multiple state agencies, and levels of government in addressing the growing demand for social, emotional, and mental health support among our students. By partnering with schools, camps, and community-based programs, we are ensuring that services are available year-round.”