BROCKTON- Brockton Public Schools has secured $100,000 in grant funding that will be used to support the mental health and well-being of students.
The FC311 Supporting Students’ Social Emotional Learning, Behavioral Health & Mental Health, and Wellness Competitive Grant is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). With this funding, Brockton Public Schools will have the opportunity to augment its broad ranging efforts in support of students’ emotional welfare, as well as promoting mental health awareness and building upon existing behavioral interventions across all grade levels.
A Commitment to Student Well-Being
Brockton Public Schools will implement a range of initiatives designed to improve student access to mental health and social-emotional learning (SEL) resources. The funding will support direct interventions for students, equip educators and families with critical tools, and establish stronger partnerships with community organizations to ensure a holistic approach to student well-being.
How the Grant Will Be Used
The FC311 grant will directly benefit students, families, and educators through the following key initiatives:
- Family Workshops ($8,000): BPS will host workshops for parents and caregivers, providing guidance on mental health, SEL, and wellness strategies to support students at home.
- Student Intervention Program ($8,000): The district will offer specialized interventions for students enrolled in rigorous programs (such as International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement) to help manage academic stress and reduce absenteeism.
- Community Partnerships ($45,000): BPS will collaborate with local mental health organizations to offer in-school counseling, mobile crisis intervention services, and wraparound support for students with significant needs.
- Classroom SEL Resources ($10,064.50): Funding will be allocated to acquire mindfulness tools, SEL curriculum materials, and other resources to foster emotional regulation and resilience in students.
- Staff Professional Development & Wellness ($25,000): Educators and support staff will receive training in trauma-informed care, mental health awareness, and stress management techniques to better support students in the classroom.
- Administrative & Indirect Costs ($3,935.50): A portion of the funding will cover administrative expenses necessary for the successful implementation of the grant.b
This funding will allow BPS to expand its support systems for students, ensuring that mental health and SEL resources are readily available both in and outside the classroom. By engaging parents, strengthening educator training, and building partnerships with local mental health organizations, the district is taking proactive steps toward fostering a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment.
“This grant provides us with a significant opportunity to build upon the work we are already doing to support students’ social and emotional health and is a unique chance to develop new community partnerships so that this work can take root outside of the classroom as well,” Superintendent Priya Tahiliani said. “We are grateful to DESE for their continued support of Brockton’s students and are committed to putting this critical funding to use by targeting services to meet students’ specific needs.”