Hiring Support Staff for Student Mental Health Needs
Forecasted
Hiring Support Staff for Student Mental Health Needs supports Michigan K–12 schools in hiring or contracting mental health staff to address students’ needs and sustain support over time.
Funder: Michigan Department of Education
Due Dates (Anticipated): May 2027 (Competitive application deadline) | October 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: FY2026 allocation: $50 million in School Aid funds and $3.5 million in general funds
Summary: Supports hiring or contracting mental health support staff to serve Michigan K–12 students.
Key Information: Applicants must plan to sustain funded positions after grant funding ends; consortiums are ineligible.
Description
Section 31aa(5) is a competitive Michigan Department of Education grant administered through the Office of Health and Safety. Authorized under Section 388.1631aa of Public Act 15 of 2025, the State School Aid Act, it funds hiring or contracting support staff to address students’ mental health needs. Eligible recipients include Michigan public schools, public school academies, intermediate school districts, nonpublic schools, and the Michigan School for the Deaf.
The program supports psychologists, social workers, counselors, nurses, community health workers, and marriage and family therapists. Applications are assessed on demonstrated need, the proposed provider’s duties and credentials, a future spending plan, and required certifications. Applicants must explain how positions will improve student mental health and how they will maintain those positions after grant support concludes.
