Battle Ground Public Schools is a major beneficiary of Washington’s new $10 million Project AWARE grant to support student mental health and wellness over five years, and is one of only three districts across the state to receive funding and support. The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) was awarded the grant by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Project AWARE brings together students, parents, educators, mental health providers, local law enforcement and juvenile justice agencies, and other community-based organizations. These groups will collaborate to create a safe school environment that provides mental health services to students in need, addresses violence prevention, and establishes safe school policies.

“This grant will help the district by providing additional staff, increased training for staff and community members, and increased mental health services to students in our schools,” said Denny Waters, executive director of special education for BGPS.

The district will work closely with OSPI and Educational Service District 112 over the next several months to create a detailed implementation timeline that will best serve the students, staff, and community.