Integrating school psychologists into a rural school mental health model

The Department of Education Office of Elementary and Secondary Education awarded $2,020,977 to Ashe County School District on January 1, 2026, under the School Safety National Activities program (CFDA 84.184) to integrate school psychologists into a rural school mental health model. The award funds activities to improve student safety and well-being by addressing the shortage of credentialed school-based mental health services providers in high-need local educational agencies. Ashe County School District, a rural school district located in Jefferson, North Carolina, serves as the prime recipient. The performance period runs through December 31, 2026, with work performed in Jefferson, NC 28640. The School Safety National Activities program supports education-related mental health services and counseling, including Mental Health Services Professional Demonstration Grants and School-Based Mental Health Services Grants targeting high-need districts.