$1.9M Grant To Create Pipeline Of School Psychologists In Newark

NEWARK, NJ — An effort to create a pipeline of school psychologists for high-needs schools in Newark recently got a big shot in the arm through a $1.9 million federal grant.

Last week, the Newark Board of Education (NBOE) announced it was awarded a $1.9 million mental health service professional demonstration grant from the U.S. Department of Education for the Supportive Schools Newark project.

Here’s how the project works, according to the NBOE:

“Supportive Schools Newark is a partnership between the NBOE and Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metro Campus (FDU) to create a pipeline of school psychologists for high needs schools and increase capacity to effectively address the mental health needs of youth who have experienced trauma. Graduate students from the FDU program will complete a practicum and internship requirements in one of six demonstration K-8 schools, impacting approximately 4,300 students.”

The main goals of the program are:

• “To significantly increase the number of school psychology graduate trainees who are well prepared to provide mental health services in high needs schools and pursue employment in such schools following graduation through high-quality practicum and internship training opportunities.”
• “To increase the capacity of the NBOE to effectively educate students who have been impacted by trauma and/or traumatic stress by establishing six demonstration schools. These schools will serve as models for the district in the implementation of trauma-informed care and tiered systems of mental health support.”

Newark School Superintendent Roger León said that earning the grant was “incredibly important” to the district.

“This grant will enable the district to continue the process of creating trauma-informed schools that are truly needed,” León said.

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