Western North Carolina schools may see improvements in student mental health services thanks to over $11 million in federal funding allocated to North Carolina public schools. The crucial question is whether this investment will adequately address the extensive mental health needs of students in the region.
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) received the funds on February 13, 2026, as part of a larger national distribution from the U.S. Department of Education. The money is earmarked for expanding school-based mental health services, with a focus on training, recruitment, and retention of school psychologists, particularly in high-need and rural districts.
Funding Breakdown
The funding is divided into two grants:
NC School Psychology Internship Program (NC SPIn): $4.8 million over four years for salary/housing stipends, supervision, and training for interns in high-need, primarily rural districts. These interns will deliver preventative and intensive mental health interventions.
NC School Psychologists Supporting our Students (SoS) project: $6.4 million over four years for recruitment/retention stipends. It also trains current rural educators to become school psychologists who will return to their communities, and expands professional development.
The funding announcement was made in Raleigh, with the goal of prioritizing rural and underserved communities..These grants aim to build a sustainable workforce to address mental health needs, such as anxiety, trauma, and behavioral issues common in isolated areas.
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