School Health Professional Grant Program (SHPG)
Forecasted
The School Health Professional Grant Program funds Colorado schools to expand behavioral and mental health services by hiring licensed health professionals and implementing evidence-based programs.
Funder: Colorado Department of Education
Due Dates (Anticipated): May 2027 (Full application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Annual awards; grants typically run for up to 3 years (1-year initial term, renewable for 2 years); specific amounts vary by project and appropriations.
Summary: Funds Colorado K-12 education providers to expand access to licensed school health professionals, especially for behavioral and mental health.
Description
The School Health Professional Grant Program (SHPG) is an initiative of the Colorado Department of Education aimed at increasing the availability of licensed school health professionals in K-12 public schools across Colorado. The program supports school districts, Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), and charter schools in hiring or contracting with school nurses, psychologists, social workers, counselors, and other state-licensed/certified professionals. The primary focus is to enhance behavioral and mental health services, provide evidence-based health education, and facilitate connections to community-based care for students.
SHPG funding enables schools to:
- Employ additional school health professionals.
- Deliver behavioral health care, including screenings, counseling, and therapy.
- Train school staff and professionals on behavioral health topics.
- Implement evidence-based behavioral health programs.
- Develop partnerships with community organizations for student support.
