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Get Kids Ahead awards money to local schools

Nearly every school district across the state, including more than 450 local education agencies, will be awarded funds through Gov. Tony Evers’ $15 million “Get Kids Ahead” initiative, as announced during his 2022 State of the State address. Schools will be able to use these funds to provide direct mental healthcare, hire and support mental health navigators, provide mental health first-aid and trauma-based care training, or provide family assistance programs.

“These funds will go directly toward whatever mental health support and services our kids need so they can be successful both in, and out, of the classroom, to help them grow, learn and get ahead,” said Evers.

Every public school district in the state was eligible to opt in to receive these funds and was guaranteed to receive a minimum of $10,000. The remainder of the funds were allocated on a per-pupil basis.

Included in those districts awarded funding, are Cadott ($20,942); Cornell ($15,571); and Lake Holcombe ($13,869).

Additionally, a $5 million investment was announced to make telehealth services, including mental and behavioral health services, more accessible, by creating two, $2.5 million grant programs for providers to expand and enhance child psychiatry telehealth services, and partner with community organizations to establish neighborhood telehealth access points at food pantries, homeless shelters, libraries, long-term care facilities, community centers and schools, for people with limited access to technology and reliable internet service.

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