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 has extended the application deadline for the Student Mental Health and Retention Training (SMART) Program.
First- and second-year graduate students in school psychology, school social work, and school counseling are eligible to receive funds.
To qualify, they must be interning in intermediate school districts (ISDs) or local education agencies (LEAs). This includes both traditional public school districts and public school academies (PSAs).
Apply for funds through NexSys, under “My Opportunities” on the NexSys Dashboard.
- Students must intern in a public school where at least 50% of pupils are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Alternatively, they may qualify if the school serves students considered economically disadvantaged, as reported 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 program’s criteria earns $25/hour for 20 hours a week for 30 weeks, 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 that 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 can apply for and receive 31ff funds to support multiple students completing their practicum experiences in an eligible district or ISD.
- School districts and ISDs that do not qualify for SMART 31ff funds can 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.
Announcement Download is Here
SMART 180 Guidance Download is Here
Download SMART Handout Here
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