Pass: psychologist access for successful schools

The Department of Education Office of Elementary and Secondary Education awarded Lead Public Schools, Inc. $3.879 million on January 1, 2026, under the School Safety National Activities program (CFDA 84.184) to expand school-based mental health services and increase qualified mental health professionals across the organization's charter school network.

Lead Public Schools, Inc., a Nashville-based nonprofit operating six public charter schools serving primarily minority and low-income student populations, will deliver the PASS (Psychologist Access for Successful Schools) initiative through December 31, 2026, at the Nashville, Tennessee location. The award funds expansion of school-based mental health services and recruitment or credentialing of school psychologists and other mental health professionals to address the shortage of such providers in high-need local educational agencies.

The School Safety National Activities program supports activities to improve student safety and well-being during and after the school day, including mental health services professional demonstration grants designed to increase credentialed mental health services providers in high-need districts.