The Project AWARE (Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education) grant is administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) under the Department of Health and Human Services. This grant opportunity aims to enhance mental health and substance use services in educational settings by developing sustainable and culturally appropriate support structures. It focuses on integrating behavioral health care services into local, tribal, and state education systems to provide comprehensive support for school-aged youth.

The primary objective of this program is to establish school-based mental health, substance use, and co-occurring services within educational agencies, including state, local, and tribal education authorities. Grant recipients are expected to form partnerships with various stakeholders, including state and local education agencies, tribal education agencies, state mental health agencies, community-based behavioral health providers, school personnel, families, and school-aged youth. These collaborations are essential to creating an inclusive and effective system for delivering mental health services in schools.

The estimated total program funding for this grant is $14,335,633, with an anticipated eight awards to be distributed. While there is no award ceiling specified, the award floor is set at $0, and cost-sharing or matching requirements are not mandated. The funding is designed to assist various public and private nonprofit entities, including states, territories, political subdivisions, tribal organizations, and Indian Health Service-affiliated health facilities.

Eligible applicants include states and territories (including the District of Columbia), political subdivisions such as counties and local education agencies, Indian tribes or tribal organizations as defined in Section 5304 of Title 25, and public or private nonprofit entities. The program prioritizes collaborations among education agencies and mental health service providers to ensure the sustainability of mental health initiatives in schools.

While the estimated post date for the grant is April 1, 2025, key deadlines, including the estimated application due date, award date, and project start date, have not yet been provided. The forecasted date for this opportunity was set for December 10, 2024, and the latest update was made on March 3, 2025. Further details and updates will be available closer to the post date.

For additional information, interested applicants can contact the Center for Mental Health Services at (240) 276-1892 or via email at SEA_AWARE@samhsa.hhs.gov.