FY2027: Student Support and Wellbeing Systems (SSWS) Grant
FY2027: Student Support and Wellbeing Systems (SSWS) Grant supports school districts, charter schools, and collaboratives in building coordinated student support systems to improve wellbeing and academic success.
Funder: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Due Dates: October 8, 2026, 10:00 a.m. (Information session) | October 21, 2026, 5:00 p.m. Eastern (Full application)
Funding Amounts: Approximately $4.5 million available; up to $50,000 base funding plus optional add-ons; projects end June 30, 2027
Summary: Supports coordinated student support systems that improve school safety, belonging, engagement, attendance, health, and academic success.
Key Information: One coordinated application per district, charter school, or educational collaborative; optional components are not stand-alone grants.
Description
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) administers this state- and federally-funded competitive grant through Fund Codes 9600, 9605, and 9610. SSWS supports safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments through whole-child development and joyful, inclusive school communities. Work is undertaken in partnership with families so every learner is known, valued, nourished, and has voice and agency.
The grant combines data-driven continuous improvement, stronger multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), and evidence-based strategies addressing social-emotional learning, behavioral and mental health, prevention, wellness, and school climate. Activities must advance equitable, culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and inclusive practices while engaging students, families, and community partners. Optional work includes mental health screening, cell phone-free schools, comprehensive sexuality education, service-learning, and youth participatory action research.
