Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) has been awarded two federal grants totaling nearly $19 million over the next five years to bolster mental health supports. The announcement was made during U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona’s visit to Five Forks Middle School. Cardona joined U.S. Representative Lucy McBath for a roundtable discussion with students, teachers, and school counselors focused on the mental health supports GCPS provides students.

GCPS Chief Accountability Officer Dr. Jewelle Harmon is excited about what the district will be able to do. “These grants will enable us to significantly enhance our ability to support students’ mental health by expanding our team of dedicated mental health professionals,” Dr. Harmon explains. “By collaborating with local universities, we’re addressing the immediate need for more mental health services while also creating a sustainable solution for the future. This partnership helps us build a pipeline of well-trained, culturally competent professionals who are committed to serving the unique and diverse needs of our community. Together, we’re investing in both our students’ well-being and the long-term strength of our support systems.”

The School-Based Mental Health Services grant and the Mental Health Service Professionals Demonstration (MHSP) grant will enable GCPS to hire additional social workers and mental health therapists, significantly strengthening the support available to students throughout the district. As part of its long-term strategy to create a diverse workforce in mental health services, GCPS is collaborating with the University of Georgia, Georgia State University, and Clark Atlanta University—two of which are minority-serving institutions.

The MHSP grant will fund paid internships and service scholarships for students at these universities, providing hands-on experience in school-based mental health services. This initiative underscores GCPS’ commitment to recruiting and retaining a diverse group of mental health providers. The funds are part of a larger $70 million national investment to expand access to mental health services for students.

"I’m proud that the Biden-Harris Administration has made historic strides in tackling our youth mental health crisis, raising the bar for our nation’s students with the largest-ever expansion of K-12 mental health programs,” Cardona shares. “The need for mental health support in our schools remains high.”

GCPS is the only K-12 school district in the nation to earn both grants. “By hiring additional school counselors, social workers, and mental health therapists, we are addressing the growing needs of our students and ensuring they have the necessary support to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally,” says Dr. Tinisha Parker, GCPS executive director of Student Services. “These professionals are critical in fostering a safe and supportive learning environment, where students can overcome challenges, develop resilience, and succeed in school and beyond.”