Project reach: recruiting and engaging additional school psychologists for comprehensive help

The Department of Education Office of Elementary and Secondary Education awarded Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools $3.9 million on January 1, 2026, under the School Safety National Activities program (CFDA 84.184) for Project REACH: Recruiting and Engaging Additional School Psychologists for Comprehensive Help. The project operates through December 31, 2026, with place of performance in Melrose, Tennessee.

Project REACH recruits and engages school psychologists to expand mental health services within the district, addressing the shortage of credentialed school-based mental health services providers in high-need local educational agencies. The School Safety National Activities program funds activities to improve students' safety and well-being during and after the school day, including mental health services professional demonstration grants that increase the number of credentialed mental health services providers delivering services to students in high-need LEAs.

Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools serves the Nashville area with 159 schools educating over 81,500 students and operates as a parent entity receiving federal grant awards directly from the Department of Education and other federal agencies. The district has demonstrated commitment to evidence-based practices including trauma-informed care, community schools, and wraparound services for students and families.