In rural regions of upstate New York, a staggering number of over 1,100 students share each mental health provider available. In an area lacking sufficient public transportation, the limited number of school counselors often represent the only mental health resources accessible to the youth.
Hennessey Lustica spearheads grant-supported initiatives aimed at training and recruiting more school psychologists, counselors, and social workers throughout the Finger Lakes area. However, the future of these efforts is uncertain due to the discontinuation of school mental health grants nationwide, a decision made by the Trump administration.
“The removal of this funding will be a significant setback for kids,” stated Lustica, who directs the Wellness Workforce Collaborative based in the Seneca Falls Central School District. “In my 21 school districts alone, covering over 20,000 children, the impact of losing this support will be devastating.”
These grants, amounting to $1 billion, were originally established under a comprehensive gun violence bill signed by President Joe Biden in 2022, following the tragic school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. The grants were designed to assist schools, particularly in rural regions, to employ more psychologists, counselors, and other mental health professionals.
The Biden administration focused on supporting applicants who demonstrated plans to enhance the diversity of mental health providers or those from the communities directly impacted by the school district. However, the Trump administration criticized elements related to race within these grant programs, deeming them detrimental to students.
“We have a duty to American families to ensure taxpayer funds are directed towards evidence-based methods genuinely aimed at improving students’ mental health,” stated an Education Department spokesperson.
Shockingly, school districts across the United States are halting training and retention programs. Lustica was informed in April through a letter from the Education Department that her grant had been terminated, citing a civil rights law violation without specific details.
Determined to contest the ruling, Lustica disputes the claims, emphasizing adherence to ethical standards respecting every individual, regardless of race, gender, or identity. “This rhetoric is unfounded,” she remarked. “The benefits these programs have delivered to our rural school districts and the positive stories from children about their mental health providers illustrate their invaluable impact.”
The repercussions of grant cancellations are visible across numerous states. In California, the West Contra Costa Unified School District faces the loss of almost $4 million in funding. Birmingham City Schools in Alabama receives news of discontinuation of their $15 million grant for training, hiring, and maintaining mental health staff.
Similarly, Wisconsin’s Department of Public Instruction will forfeit $8 million earmarked for the upcoming four years. The funds were initially intended to boost retention and broaden career exploration programs in school-based mental health for high school students.
“This decision is indefensible when communities are desperately seeking assistance in addressing mental health needs,” said State Superintendent Jill Underly in a public statement.
During recent congressional hearings, Democrats questioned Education Secretary Linda McMahon regarding the termination of grants and its resulting impact on students. McMahon assured that mental health remains a priority, with plans to rebid and reissue the grants.
“Anyone engaging with kids understands how vital these grants were in ensuring access to mental health services,” noted Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers. “Canceling this funding now is a callous and imprudent act that endangers millions of children.”
The challenges faced by rural school districts concerning youth mental health are profound.
In one upstate New York district, where economic difficulties have forced half the student population to relocate in the last five years, instability often translates into mental health struggles, remarked Lustica. A student survey within one county showed nearly half felt persistently sad or depressed, and one-third felt their lives lacked meaning.
“We’re dealing with extensive depression, anxiety, traumatic experiences, and a shortage of providers,” said Lustica. “School is often the only place where kids can access the services they require.”
Many families cannot afford private counseling or face logistical challenges in attending appointments, explained Danielle Legg, a graduate student whose internship as a school social worker was funded through the grant program.
“Their access to mental health support is largely confined to school, where available providers are essential,” Legg remarked.
Over the past three years, 176 students completed mental health training through Lustica’s program, with an 85% placement rate in high-demand areas.
The program also provided valuable training to graduate students, helping meet staffing needs and inspiring career paths in education, according to Susan McGowan, a school social worker who oversaw participants in the Geneva City School District.
“It feels catastrophic,” McGowan said regarding the grant termination. “These roles are hard to fill, so engaging grad students willing to collaborate with other professionals strengthens our staffing capabilities and supports our teachers.”