$332K Grant Provides Mental Health Funding For Downers Grove Students

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — A state grant of more than $332, 000 that was recently awarded to Downers Grove School District 58 will provide funding to support the mental health of students, according to district officials.

The grant, which is part of a $9.5 million grant package that was awarded to 40 applicants, was the largest awarded to a DuPage County school, officials said in a news release. The $332,593 award will provide mental health awareness, support, and education programs within the schools. The district said it will partner with District 99 and the community to increase mental health outreach programs.

“We know that some children continue to show effects from the pandemic, and we’re thrilled that we have these resources that will help us make services and resources available to those who need them,” Superintendent Kevin Russell said in a news release.

The district also announced that additional plans under the grant will provide evidence-based resources to augment classroom instruction at the primary grade level, purchase evidence-based interventions for mental health professionals in the district, provide professional development to key staff, and coordinate support for students with community resources.

“This provides us a great opportunity to layer in support for our students,” Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Jessica Stewart said in the news release. “We’ve been addressing learning loss and attendance and with this grant, now we’re providing a more robust ring of community support.”