Students attending two Michigan universities will be introduced to more psychologist training as the state struggles with a critical shortage of school psychologists. The money will either expand or launch a school psychologist training program.
The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity has given $650,000 to Western Michigan University (WMU) and $350,000 to Andrews University (AU) in an effort to increase the school psychologist workforce in Michigan, support students who are facing mental health challenges and help schools navigate available resources.
Recommended Videos
“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 Susan Corbin, LEO Director in a press release.
WMU will be setting up a new school psychology program that expects to graduate 15-16 new students per year. AU will be expanding current enrollment in their current program to allow for 15-20 new students per year.
“School psychologists in Michigan provide invaluable services to students and their families, including mental health services, evaluations, consultation and so much more,” said MASP President Elect, Charlene Mangi in a press release.
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, state officials said.
“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.”
Michigan has a critical shortage of school psychologists at a time when students’ mental health needs are more pressing than ever. The state’s ratio is one school psychologist for every 1,400 students, three times higher than recommended by the National Association of School Psychologists, according to a report by the Michigan School Safety and Mental Health Commission.