Darien Public Schools Scores $134K For Summer Mental Health Programs

DARIEN, CT — The Darien Public Schools District has received a state grant worth $134,163 to support the delivery of mental health services for students during the summer months over a three-year period.

The money is part of more than $4.5 million in funding for 48 school districts and summer camp programs across Connecticut 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 $12,000 to $50,000 in each of the first two years and are reduced to 70 percent of that amount in year three. The competitive grant program is utilizing funding the state received from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

"The need for mental health support services among youths does not stop at the end of the school year, and these grants will enable these critical services to continue during the summer months," said Gov. Ned Lamont in a news release.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) said there's no summer vacation for children's mental health needs.

"These federal funds will no doubt make an enormous difference in the lives of thousands of children in our state. At a time when mental health services for youth are needed more than ever, I am proud to see Connecticut step up and dedicate federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars to increase Connecticut student access to these vital services during the summer months," Blumenthal said in a news release.

This is the third of three rounds of grants the department is releasing with ARPA funding that are aimed at increasing access to mental health support services for youths in schools. Eligible costs incurred beginning in summer 2023 through summer 2025 are reimbursable under this grant program.