LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) awarded $1M, with $350,000 going to Andrews University and $650,000 to Western Michigan University to expand or launch a school psychologist training program. This investment will increase the school psychologist workforce in Michigan, support students who are facing mental health challenges and help schools navigate available resources.
“Investing in training for school psychologists is important not only for supporting the mental health and well-being of our students, but also for strengthening the pipeline of professionals in a field that is critical to both education and community health,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “LEO is committed to supporting the needs of our workforce across the state, and we’re investing in a healthier Michigan through this funding.”
Western Michigan University will be setting up a new school psychology program that expects to graduate 15-16 new students per year and Andrews University will be expanding current enrollment in their current program to allow for 15-20 new students per year.
LEO worked alongside the Michigan Association of School Psychologists (MASP) on the development of the RFP.
“School psychologists in Michigan provide invaluable services to students and their families, including mental health services, evaluations, consultation and so much more,” said Charlene Mangi, MASP President Elect. “Our state only has five training programs, and we need more trained professionals to meet the demand. This grant will be instrumental in both creating a new training program and in expanding an existing, well-regarded program.”
Higher education institutions were able to apply for a portion of the $1 million available in funding to initiate enrollment in a new school psychology program or expand enrollment and develop distance education in school psychology programs.
