$150K Mental Health Services Funding For New Haven LEAP, Squash Haven

NEW HAVEN, CT — Gov. Ned Lamont and Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker Tuesday announced the release of more than $4.5 million in funding for 48 school districts and summer camp programs across Connecticut that will be used to support the delivery of mental health services for students during the summer months over a three-year period.

In New Haven, two agencies have been awarded. Leadership, Education, Athletics in Partnership Inc. of New Haven was awarded $92,183.40. LEAP trains and employs college and high school students to provide academic and social enrichment and mentoring after school and during the summer.

Squash Haven of New Haven, was awarded $60,051.35. It empowers New Haven youth to strive for and maintain school success and physical wellness, and to forge a path through higher education to engaged citizenship.

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 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,” Lamont said.

The competitive grant program is utilizing funding the state received from the federal American Rescue Plan Act.

“This investment further underscores our commitment to collaboration across various sectors, multiple state agencies, and levels of government in addressing the growing demand for social, emotional, and mental health support among our students," state Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker said. "By partnering with schools, camps, and community-based programs, we are ensuring that services are available year-round.”

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.

On hand for the announcement were Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Sen. Chris Murphy.

“Children’s mental health needs take no summer vacation – and neither can we in meeting them. These federal funds will no doubt make an enormous difference in the lives of thousands of children in our state," Blumenthal said. "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.”

Grant recipients will be required to attend a training session and complete the compliance documents for the use of ARPA funding. A notification for the training will be sent to the recipients.

“The American Rescue Plan has provided Connecticut schools with the resources necessary to identify struggling students and connect them to the care they need, but the youth mental health crisis requires our attention year-round," Murphy said. "I’m proud these federal dollars will ensure fewer kids fall through the cracks during the summer.”

Congresswomen Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) and Jahana Hayes (CT-05) also shared thoughts.

“As chair of the House Appropriations Committee, I helped pass the American Rescue Plan," DeLauro said. "It intentionally committed investments in mental health, which is especially vital for our children."

Hayes said she supports "the decision to invest American Rescue Plan Act funds to prioritize mental health services for students during the summer months."

"This is imperative for the overall well-being and academic success of Connecticut students," she noted.