Shelton, Derby Schools Score CT Money For Mental Health Programming

SHELTON-DERBY, CT — The state of Connecticut has awarded the Shelton and Derby school districts grants to support the delivery of mental health programming for students during the summer months over the next two years.

The $24,480 for Shelton schools and $65,508 for Derby schools were part of more than $2 million in grants for 36 school districts and summer camp programs announced by Governor Ned Lamont in a news release Thursday.

Awarded under the Connecticut State Department of Education's Summer Mental Health Supports Grant program, the grants for each district and summer camp program range from $17,000 to $85,000.

This competitive grant program is utilizing funding the state received from the federal American Rescue Plan Act. This is the third of three rounds of grants the department has issued with ARPA funding that are aimed at increasing access to mental health support services for Connecticut’s youths. Eligible costs incurred beginning in summer 2024 through summer 2025 are reimbursable under this grant program.

The funding will support mental health services for students during the summer by partnering with Connecticut local and regional school districts, youth camp operators, and other summer programs through summer 2025. This grant is an extension of the Summer Mental Health Grant Program issued in 2023 for three years, which provided $4.5 million to 48 school districts and summer camp programs.

"By partnering with schools, camps, and community-based programs, we are ensuring that mental health services are available year-round," State Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker said in a news release. "This investment further extends the availability of social, emotional, and mental health supports during the summer through new community partners with innovative initiatives and programming to support students wherever they are spending time this summer."