[U.S. Department of Education – Office of Elementary and Secondary Education](https://oese.ed.gov/)

October 29, 2025 (Full application)

Total: $180,000,000 | Typical award: $1,250,000–$1,750,000 over up to 48 months | ~25–35 awards

Supports SEAs, LEAs, and LEA consortia to increase the number of credentialed school-based mental health service providers in high-need LEAs.

No cost sharing required; strict eligibility and program requirements apply.

--- ## Description This grant program from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE), through the Office of Safe and Supportive Schools, aims to address the critical shortage of school-based mental health service providers. It supports State Educational Agencies (SEAs), Local Educational Agencies (LEAs), and consortia of LEAs in high-need areas to recruit, hire, and retain credentialed school psychologists. The program seeks to improve access to intensive and early intervention mental health services for students, particularly in districts with high ratios of students to school psychologists and heightened indicators of need such as poverty, violence, or other adverse experiences. --- ## Due Dates - Applications Available: September 29, 2025 - Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: October 29, 2025, 11:59:59 pm ET --- ## Funding Amount - Estimated total program funding: $180,000,000 - Estimated number of awards: 25–35 - Typical award size: $1,250,000–$1,750,000 per award - Project period: Up to 48 months - No cost sharing or matching required --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible applicants:** - State Educational Agencies (SEAs) as defined in 20 U.S.C. 7801(49) - Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) as defined in 20 U.S.C. 7801(30) - Consortia of LEAs - **Additional notes:** - LEA applicants must demonstrate how they meet the definition of a high-need LEA. - SEA applicants must identify or describe how they will identify high-need LEAs benefiting from the grant. --- ## Application Process - Review the [official Federal Register notice](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-09-29/pdf/2025-18895.pdf) for detailed instructions. - Follow the [Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/29/2025-16571/common-instructions-and-information-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant). - Prepare a narrative (recommended 15 pages) addressing selection criteria, including: - Demonstrated need - Project design and sustainability - Adequacy of resources and budget - Management plan and personnel - Applications must include data on current and projected credentialed school psychologists in high-need LEAs. - Submit applications through [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360667). --- ## Additional Information - **Priorities:** - Absolute priorities focus on increasing credentialed school psychologists in high-need LEAs, with plans for both recruitment and retention, and expanding early intervention/intensive services. - Competitive preference priorities include respecialization for existing professionals and serving rural communities (additional points available). - **Restrictions:** - Funds may not be used for medical services, drug treatment/rehabilitation, or certain restricted activities (see program notice). - Administrative costs are capped (10% for SEAs, 5% for LEAs). - Hired psychologists must be credentialed and begin services within 270 days of award. - **Reporting:** - Annual and final performance reports required, including data on hiring/retention and student-to-psychologist ratios. - **No cost sharing or matching is required.** - **Subgrants:** SEAs may make subgrants to LEAs; LEAs may not make subgrants. --- ## External Links - [Full Program Notice (Federal Register PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-09-29/pdf/2025-18895.pdf) - [Grants.gov Opportunity Details](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360667) - [SBMH Program Page](https://www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/grants-birth-grade-12/safe-and-supportive-schools/school-based-mental-health-services-grant-program) - [Applicant Instructions (Federal Register)](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/29/2025-16571/common-instructions-and-information-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Title | Email | Phone | Address | |--------------|-------------------|----------------------------|-----------------|-------------------------------------------------| | Amy Banks | Program Manager | Amy.Banks@ed.gov | (202) 987-1780 | U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20202-6450 | ---

Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE): Office of Safe and Supportive Schools: School-Based Mental Health Services (SBMH) Grant Program Assistance Listing Number (ALN) number 84.184H

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