News and Information
School Psychology Graduate Program
January 08, 2025
The School Psychology graduate faculty at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is thrilled to announce that they will be receiving $2.86 million Mental Health Service Professionals Demonstration Grant. Funded through the United States Department of Education, the grant will support critical mental health initiatives over the next five years.
The grant project, titled M-MINDS (Meeting Mental health Implementation Needs for Districts and Students), focuses on training a new generation of school-based mental health providers. The program aligns with the Department of Education’s goal of increasing the number and diversity of professionals equipped to deliver evidence-based, culturally-responsive mental health interventions in schools.
For the next three incoming cohorts, the program will provide specialized training to eight graduate students per cohort admitted to the School Psychology program. These trainees will gain expertise in implementing tiered mental health interventions while receiving significant financial assistance. Pending final budget approval, benefits for participating students will include tuition waivers and paid stipends for practicum hours completed in five high-need school districts in west Michigan, which serve as grant partners.
In return for this support, trainees are required to complete their school psychology internships in high-need districts and commit to working as school psychologists in similar districts in Michigan for at least two years post-graduation.
“This grant represents a transformative opportunity for our program and the communities we serve,” said Dr. Jamie Owen-DeSchryver, the project director. “We’re excited to prepare future professionals to meet the growing mental health needs in schools with culturally responsive and evidence-based approaches.”
For more information about the M-MINDS program and its impact, visit the School Psychology Graduate Program website. Questions can also be directed to Dr. Jamie Owen-DeSchryver at [email protected] or Dr. Kristen Schrauben, the admissions lead, at [email protected].