Rutgers University’s Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP) has secured a substantial $4.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to address the critical shortage of mental health services for children attending high-need schools in Newark. The funding will support the Pathways Project, a groundbreaking initiative designed to expand access to mental health services within Newark’s public schools.
The Pathways Project: Enhancing Mental Health Services in Newark
The Pathways Project: Expanding the Capacity of Newark Board of Education to Provide Effective Inclusive Mental Health Services aims to enhance the district’s ability to support students facing significant mental health challenges. Over a five-year period, GSAPP will collaborate with the Newark Board of Education, Rutgers School of Social Work, and Rutgers University-Newark’s School of Arts and Sciences to launch a new fellowship program that places graduate students in local schools to provide much-needed mental health support.
The initiative, spearheaded by Anne Gregory, a professor at GSAPP, is part of the U.S. Department of Education’s Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Program, which seeks to broaden student access to school-based mental health services across the country. This effort will focus on expanding the number of culturally and linguistically diverse mental health professionals in schools that serve students from historically underserved communities.
Addressing the Urgent Need in Newark Schools
Newark, New Jersey, the state’s largest school district, serves over 42,000 students, many of whom face significant challenges related to poverty and mental health. With a poverty rate of 24.7%, more than double the national average, the district is in urgent need of expanded mental health services to help its students succeed academically and emotionally.
There is a particular need for more ethnically and linguistically diverse mental health professionals who can effectively connect with students from a variety of backgrounds. According to Elisa Shernoff, co-principal investigator and associate professor in GSAPP’s school psychology department, “The Pathways Project provides an unprecedented opportunity for unique, interdisciplinary training in social work and school psychology, allowing providers to develop competence delivering inclusive, evidence-based mental health services.”
Fellowship Program Details
The fellowship program will place graduate students pursuing degrees in school psychology and social work into six Newark district schools, where they will provide mental health services to students. In return for their service, the fellows will receive stipends through paid practicum and internship opportunities. This initiative aims to cultivate a new generation of mental health professionals who are committed to serving in Newark schools or other high-need districts after graduation.
The fellowship program will also focus on recruiting multilingual fellows to improve communication with Newark’s diverse student body, which includes nearly 25% English language learners. Fellows will work closely with families to ensure students receive the support they need to thrive.
Expanding Career Pathways and Mentorship
Beyond the immediate mental health support, the Pathways Project also seeks to build a sustainable pipeline of qualified mental health professionals who can meet the long-term needs of Newark schools. The program will:
- Provide mentorship opportunities by connecting fellows with experienced mental health professionals in high-need schools.
- Support field-based supervisors through monthly seminars and research-based practices.
- Develop pipeline initiatives by partnering with Rutgers Newark faculty to increase awareness of career opportunities in mental health service delivery in schools.
- Advocate for training placements within the Newark Board of Education and facilitate long-term planning.
By fostering an interdisciplinary approach to mental health service delivery, the program ensures that social workers and school psychologists are well-prepared to address the full range of mental health challenges students may face, from anxiety and depression to more complex issues like trauma or behavioral disorders.
Community and Educational Impact
The collaboration between Rutgers University and the Newark Board of Education is expected to significantly enhance the overall well-being of students in the district. Roger León, the Superintendent of Newark Public Schools, noted, “The Pathways Project is a great opportunity for Newark Public Schools to partner with Rutgers University in preparing future social workers and psychologists to meet the needs of our students and maintain the social-emotional well-being and mental health of everyone in our district.”
Additionally, the Pathways Project aligns with the district’s efforts to address gaps in mental health services and is a crucial part of Newark’s broader strategy to improve student well-being and educational outcomes.
Looking Ahead: A Lasting Legacy
Rutgers University’s $4.6 million federal grant will enable the Pathways Project to expand and enhance school-based mental health services in Newark, setting a new standard for mental health care in public schools. By combining hands-on training for graduate students, mentorship opportunities, and a focus on culturally competent care, the program is helping to ensure that the next generation of mental health professionals is prepared to meet the needs of underserved communities.
The initiative is a significant step forward in improving mental health services for Newark’s students and could serve as a model for other school districts across the country struggling to meet the growing mental health needs of their student populations.
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