Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth (MPY) is now accepting applications for the 2025-26 School Mental Health Leadership Institute (SMHLI). In partnership with the Rennie Center and the Massachusetts School Mental Health Consortium (MASMHC), this program aims to help district- or school-based staff grow their capacity to act as both clinical mental health leaders and change agents for building a comprehensive school mental health system. Following the success of the past three years of the program, we’re excited to work with a new group of participants eager to develop their skills in mental health leadership.
Who should apply? We are seeking applications from any district or school staff member who plays a role in overseeing mental health services for students. This could include student support specialists, school leaders, counselors, adjustment counselors, social workers, and school psychologists, among others.
Why apply? Data shows (and daily experience confirms) that young people need mental health supports now more than ever. Schools play a critical role in responding to this need. Offering timely interventions is only one part of the solution, though. Instead, schools should seek to build comprehensive mental health systems that allow them to support the wellbeing of all students, now and in the future—and school and district staff are at the front lines of helping establish and use these types of systems. The SMHLI will offer strategies for moving toward a more thoughtful and comprehensive approach to school mental health.
How is the SMHLI structured? The SMHLI includes ten hours of professional development and training through a five-part webinar series offered by MPY entitled “Lead the Way: Advancing Comprehensive School Mental Health Systems.” PDPs will be issued for participants who attend all five sessions. Together, these sessions will cover the essential elements of a school mental health system, such as the role of a student support team and the need for tiered interventions. In addition to these PD sessions, the Institute also includes cohort meetings that bring together school and district leaders interested in applying what they learn. The cohort will meet five times during the year, with opportunities for members to hear from each other, share successes, and troubleshoot ongoing challenges. All PD sessions and cohort meetings will take place virtually.
Applications are due Wednesday, October 15th.