This webpage provides information and resources for fostering safe and healthy learning environments. These resources may be of particular interest to faith-based and other community-based organizations working to expand and improve educational opportunities for students.
GUIDANCE AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Learning Recovery – Office of Elementary and Secondary Education
This website provides information on how the Biden-Harris Administration has worked and continues to work aggressively to safely reopen schools, help students recover academically, and support their mental health and well-being.
Supporting Child and Student Social, Emotional, Behavioral and Mental Health
The Department of Education released this guidance to enhance the promotion of mental health and the social and emotional well-being among children and students. This resource highlights seven key challenges to providing school- or program-based mental health support across early childhood, K–12 schools, and higher education settings, and presents seven corresponding recommendations. It also contains appendices with additional resources including technical assistance offerings and available funding.
Engage Every Student Initiative
Was as launched by U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona on July 14, 2022. With support from five coordinating partners and more than 20 allied organizations, this Initiative aims to ensure that every student who wants a spot in a high-quality out-of-school time program has one.
National Partnership for Student Success (NPSS)
The NPSS supports a nationwide three-year effort that brings together experienced organizations to recruit, screen, train, support, and engage an additional 250,000 caring adults in roles serving as tutors, mentors, student success coaches, wraparound service coordinators, and post-secondary transition coaches.
From Recovery to Thriving: How the American Rescue Plan is Supporting America’s Students
The Department of Education and the National Public Education Support Fund are excited to share the various commitments that the philanthropic and summer learning communities are standing up at the 2022 From Recovery to Thriving: How American Rescue Plan is Supporting America’s Students Summit!
We know it takes both public and private partnerships to support our students, communities and districts as they continue to leverage their federal funds in support of learning recovery, mental health, and addressing school labor shortages.
Best Practices Clearinghouse
The Best Practices Clearinghouse highlight and celebrate evidence-based and promising practices implemented by states, schools, and school districts using American Rescue Plan funds to support learning recovery, increased academic opportunities, and student mental health.
What Works Clearinghouse
What Works Clearinghouse Practice Guide: Structuring Out-of-School Time to Improve Academic Achievement
Out-of-school time programs can enhance academic achievement by helping students learn outside the classroom. The five recommendations in this guide are intended to help district and school administrators, out-of-school program providers, and educators design out-of-school time programs that will increase learning for students. The guide also describes the research supporting each recommendation, how to carry out each recommendation, and how to address roadblocks that might arise in implementing the
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) Grant Program
The program provides academic supports, health and social services, and engagement opportunities to students while also creating stronger connections between families, communities, and their local public schools.
Promise Neighborhoods Grant Program
The program will significantly improve the academic and developmental outcomes of children living in communities of concentrated poverty.
Student Support and Academic Enrichment Program
The program will help schools provide all students with safe and supportive learning opportunities and environments.
BIDEN-HARRIS ADMINISTRATION RESOURCES ON MENTAL HEALTH
BSCA Stronger Connections Grants
Through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), under the Biden-Harris Administration, Congress provided $1 billion in Title IV, Part A formula funding to State educational agencies to develop state grant programs that provide students with safer and healthier learning environments.
FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Highlights Strategy to Address the National Mental Health Crisis
The Biden-Harris Administration is taking additional steps to address the national mental health crisis which focuses on strengthening the capacity of the system of care, increasing access to care, and building environments that promote wellness and recovery.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The resources and information on this website are designed to help states, territories, tribes, mental health and substance use disorder professionals, and others looking for information on understanding the background, history, funding opportunities, and implementation resources for strengthening suicide prevention and mental health crisis services.
988 – National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Help is Available! – YouTube
HHS Partnership Center Director, Rev. Dr. Que English and Choose Healthy Life (CHL) faith leaders share their lived experiences, address stigma and the importance of using the easily accessible 988 Suicide & Crises Lifeline.
CDC GUIDANCE FOR SCHOOLS
School Connectedness
The belief held by students that adults and peers in the school care about their learning as well as about them as individuals—is an important protective factor.
Students who feel connected to their school are also more likely to have better academic achievement, including higher grades and test scores, have better school attendance, and
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
National Guidelines for Child and Youth Behavioral Health Crisis Care | SAMHSA Publications and Digital Products
This publication offers best practices, implementation strategies, and practical guidance for the design and development of services that meet the needs of children, youth, and their families experiencing a behavioral health crisis.