School Mental Health

In 2023 and 2024, BUCCS was awarded three large Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration grants from the U.S. Department of Education. These grants address the increasing mental health challenges among youth, which have been significantly worsened by the pandemic. Implementation builds on 15 years of partnership between the university and school districts and aims to prepare social work students to deliver skill-rich, solution-focused mental health support and family engagement practices through a UACS lens.

As part of our university-assisted community school approach, these funds broaden the availability of mental health services for families and youth, and foster family confidence and capacity to actively participate as partners in the education and well-being of their children. These initiatives have commenced in the following school districts:

• Harpursville
• Maine-Endwell
• Owego-Apalachin
• Whitney Point
• Windsor
• Norwich 
• Oxford 

The School Mental Health site supervisors work within these school districts supervising BU Social Work Interns. Together, the BUCCS team facilitates drop-in centers, family cafes, social-emotional learning groups, individual sessions, lunch and recess support, and building community connections. 

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