Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE): Office of Safe and Supportive Schools: School-Based Mental Health Services (SBMH) Grant Program, Assistance Listing Number (ALN) number 84.184H

The Federal Register notice from the Department of the Army announces a 60-day public comment period for a proposed information collection related to the Exchange Credit Program (OMB Control Number 0702–0137). This program determines credit eligibility, enhances shopping experiences, facilitates check cashing, and collects government debts for authorized patrons. Concurrently, the Department of Education has issued revised common instructions for applicants to discretionary grant programs, superseding previous guidance. These instructions centralize application information, including content, formatting, submission procedures via Grants.gov, and application review processes. Notably, the revised instructions include guidance on the allowable use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in grant applications, requiring applicants to certify the accuracy of all content. A separate notice from the Department of Education also requests comments on a proposed revision to the Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students With Intellectual Disabilities (TPSID) Evaluation Protocol information collection.

The Department of Education is inviting applications for the School-Based Mental Health Services Grant program (SBMH) for FY 2025, with approximately $180,000,000 available for awards ranging from $1,250,000 to $1,750,000 for up to 48 months. The program aims to increase credentialed school-based mental health services providers, specifically school psychologists, in high-need Local Educational Agencies (LEAs). Eligible applicants include State Educational Agencies (SEAs) and LEAs, including consortia. Applications are due by October 29, 2025. The program prioritizes plans to recruit and retain school psychologists, and those focusing on early intervention and intensive mental health services. Competitive preference points are awarded for SEAs proposing respecialization for existing professionals and for rural applicants. Grant funds cannot be used for medical services, gender ideology, political activism, racial stereotyping, or hostile environments. Awarded funds must supplement, not supplant, non-Federal funds. Administrative costs are capped at 10% for SEAs and 5% for LEAs. School psychologists funded by the grant must begin delivering services within 270 days of the award. Applicants must comply with federal regulations, including FERPA, PPRA, IDEA, Section 504, and the ADA. Performance measures include the number of new school psychologists hired and retained, and the student-to-school psychologist ratio.