School Based Mental Health Qualifying Grant Program

The School Based Mental Health Qualifying Grant Program is administered by the Utah State Board of Education to support local education agencies in expanding access to school-based mental health services. Established under Utah Code 53F-2-415, the program is designed to improve student well-being, academic success, and school safety through targeted investments in licensed mental health professionals and related support staff. The program reflects a statewide policy priority to integrate mental health services into educational environments and to address barriers to learning through early identification and intervention. The primary purpose of the grant is to provide funding to local education agencies, including school districts and charter schools, so they may employ or contract with qualifying personnel such as school counselors, psychologists, social workers, and nurses. These professionals are required to be licensed and to collaborate with educators and families to identify and address student mental health and academic needs. The program also allows for the hiring of behavioral health support personnel who work under the supervision of licensed staff to reinforce positive behaviors and assist students in accessing educational content. Grant funds are restricted to personnel-related expenses, including salaries, benefits, and contracted services for qualifying personnel and behavioral health support staff. The funding cannot be used for materials, curriculum, professional development, or general wellness programs. The intent is to directly increase the number of mental health professionals serving students rather than to replace existing funding streams. The program explicitly prohibits supplanting existing positions with grant funds and instead requires that funding expand baseline staffing levels compared to prior years. Eligibility is limited to local education agencies within Utah. Applicants are expected to develop a comprehensive plan that includes measurable goals focused on improving student safety, engagement, school culture, or academic outcomes. Applications should be informed by local data and may target specific student populations or school sites. Each applicant must also demonstrate collaboration with a local mental health authority and may be required to provide documentation such as personnel lists, contracts, and progress reporting. The application process is conducted through the Utah Grants Management System and typically occurs annually during a defined application window from May 1 through May 31. Applicants submit a project abstract, budget narrative, and detailed budget information. Returning grantees must complete annual plan updates during the three-year award cycle. Funding is distributed on a reimbursement basis, and grantees must submit appropriate documentation to receive payment. Additional one-time funding allocations may be available if excess funds remain after the primary application cycle. Grantees are subject to annual reporting requirements, including submission of an accountability and data report by August 1 each year. This report must include progress toward goals, staffing levels, and collaboration efforts. Failure to submit required reports may result in loss of funding eligibility. The program operates on a three-year grant cycle, with the opportunity for reapplication at the end of each cycle, making it a recurring funding opportunity for eligible education agencies in Utah.

Use local data to justify need and align goals with measurable student outcomes such as safety and academic performance; ensure staffing plans clearly expand baseline services; maintain compliance with allowable personnel-only funding rules