CANFIELD — The Educational Service Center (ESC) of Eastern Ohio has entered a collaborative effort with Kent State University through a newly awarded $2.279 million, five-year grant to strengthen mental health services in schools served by the ESC. The “NorthEast Ohio Helpers: Building Capacity for Inclusive Mental Health Services” initiative will focus on addressing the critical shortage of mental health providers in schools by training and placing diverse school psychologists in high-need districts.

The initiative will provide full scholarships and cost-of-living stipends to trainees who are dedicated to serving the schools in our area. This program will increase the availability of culturally responsive mental health services, ensuring that students receive care from professionals who understand and reflect the communities they serve.

The trainees involved in this project will gain practical experience in schools within the area, working on mental health assessments, implementing evidence-based interventions, and collaborating closely with educators to support student well-being. The “grow-your-own” model ensures that these professionals are more likely to remain here after their training, fostering long-term sustainability and continued support for local students.

Kent State University, a nationally recognized institution with an “R1” classification by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, has a long history of training school psychologists, dating back to 1947. This initiative with ESC of Eastern Ohio continues Kent State’s legacy of preparing school-based mental health professionals to address community-specific needs while enhancing diversity and inclusivity within the field.

With this grant, ESC of Eastern Ohio and Kent State University are taking significant steps to address the mental health crisis and build a sustainable pipeline of skilled, culturally competent school psychologists dedicated to the community.