School districts across the country have faced varying challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Community Partnership Grant will address the post-pandemic gaps in opportunity and unfinished teaching/learning that school districts in Illinois are facing. More specifically, the grant aims to decrease the gaps in meeting students’ social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs.
Program Description:
- Supporting local efforts to develop comprehensive school systems grounded in mental health and trauma through the following goals:
- Provide communities the flexibility to determine the best approach to respond to the local mental health needs.
- Allow funds to be used for a range of responses, from prevention to early intervention to treatment.
- Support local efforts to integrate programs focused on non-cognitive development (social, emotional, and behavioral) and mental wellness for children.
- Establish or expand supports addressing the wellbeing of parents/caregivers and teachers/school staff.
- Expand opportunities for student learning beyond the normal school day.
- Create enduring partnerships between schools, community-based organizations, and mental health providers that will last beyond the grant.
