Apply Before Sept. 30, 2025, While Funds Last
First- and Second-Year Graduate Students in School Psychology, Social Work, and Counseling May Be Eligible for up to $15,000
The Michigan Department of Education extended its application deadline to the Student Mental Health and Retention Training (SMART) Program.
First- and second-year graduate students in school psychology, school social work, and school counseling, interning in intermediate school districts (ISDs) and local education agencies (LEAs), both traditional public school districts and public school academies (PSAs) are eligible for receiving funds.
Apply for funds through NexSys, under “My Opportunities” on the NexSys Dashboard.
- Students must intern in a public school in which not less than 50% of pupils enrolled are eligible for free or reduced-price meals or considered economically disadvantaged in the Michigan School Data System.
- Students must intern in a public school that received funding under Section 22d
More Details:
- Each school psychology graduate student who works at a school/ISD that meets the criteria for the program earns $25/hour for 20 hours a week for 30 weeks, which is equivalent to $15,000 per year.
- School Psychology graduate students from Michigan and other states can participate in the program. Students must complete “Grow Your Own” work experiences in districts/ISDs in Michigan, but can be enrolled in training programs in other states.
- School districts and ISDs who meet the requirements for SMART can pay stipends to students who participate in the SMART program by utilizing 31ff funds.
- School districts, institutes of higher education, and ISDs are able to apply and receive 31ff funds for multiple students who are completing their practicum experiences in an eligible district or ISD.
- School districts and ISDs who do not qualify for SMART 31ff funds are able to utilize district money or 31aa funding. To utilize 31aa funds for SMART, schools/ISDs must indicate on the 31aa application that they would like to use the 31aa funds for that specific purpose.
Download Announcement Here
Download SMART 180 Guidance Here
Download SMART Handout Here
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