Press Releases
05/27/2025
Connecticut's Continued Investment in Youth Mental Health: The ARPA Summer Mental Health Supports Grant Program
(Hartford, CT) - In August 2023, Connecticut took a significant step toward addressing the mental health needs of its youth by launching the ARPA Summer Mental Health Supports Grant Program. Governor Ned Lamont and Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker announced the allocation of over $4.5 million in funding, which was distributed to 49 school districts and youth programs across the state.
The program, which was established through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), enabled school districts, summer camps, and community-based organizations to hire mental health professionals, such as social workers, counselors, and psychologists, to provide support for students who might not have access to mental health resources during the summer when school is out of session.
“The need for mental health services for our youth continues year-round, and by enhancing existing programs and creating new initiatives tailored to their needs, we are investing in the future success and well-being of Connecticut’s youth,” said Governor Lamont.
“By partnering with schools, camps, and community-based programs, we are ensuring that mental health services are available year-round,” said Commissioner Russell-Tucker. “This work further extends the reach of mental health supports during the summer through innovative initiatives that meet Connecticut students where they are.”
Building on Success
Governor Lamont and Commissioner Russell-Tucker announced a second round of funding in June 2024. This phase saw the distribution of over $2 million to 36 additional school districts and summer programs. Individual grant awards ranged from $17,000 to $85,000, with funds allocated for the next two years.
“The grant funding allowed us to create a safe and supportive environment where students could open up about their struggles and learn how to manage their emotions,” Bridgeport Youth Lacrosse Program Director Joe Johnson explained. “This is crucial for kids in our community, and we’ve seen real progress.”
“The funding has been a game-changer for us, allowing us to provide consistent and effective mental health services to a wide range of students,” said Maria Perez, program coordinator for the BAGS Foundation in Waterbury, which used the funds to hire six therapists that led to 84% of students meeting all their treatment goals. “The outcomes speak for themselves—students are thriving because of the mental health support they received.”
The impact on staff and participants alike has been notable in many other districts. At the Hartford Knights Corp, which serves a high-need population, the funding allowed the program to provide mentorship and mental health support to over 100 students.
“The staff we’ve been able to hire have not only supported students emotionally but also given them practical tools to navigate difficult situations,” said Antonio Lewis, program director for the Hartford Knights Corp. “The ability to offer consistent, ongoing support is invaluable for our students.”
The funding has also enabled professional development for educators.
The Bridgeport School District used the funds to provide trauma-informed mental health training to staff, while the Boys and Girls Club of Bristol invested in professional development to better equip their team to address the mental health challenges faced by youth.
In Darien, the district used the grant for training teachers on how to support students with mental health challenges.
“Thanks to this funding, our teachers have become better equipped to address the emotional needs of students, creating a more supportive and positive learning environment,” said Sandra Mendez, a school counselor in Darien.
Sustaining and Expanding Programs in 2025
Most recently, in May 2025, Connecticut released an additional $595,080 in funding to sustain and expand the existing programs during the 2025 summer season. The final phase of funding aims to ensure that the programs established in the first two years continue to serve more youth, reach underserved populations, and enhance their services in the final year of the grant cycle. A total of 60 applicants received funding in this final round, ensuring that mental health services will continue to be available for students throughout the summer.
These programs, which have already made a measurable impact on the mental health and emotional well-being of students, will now be able to reach even more young people, offering them the tools and support they need to thrive both emotionally and academically.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 27, 2025
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Matthew Cerrone
matthew.cerrone@ct.gov
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