Education Service Center, Region 2 Secures $5 Million Federal Grant to
Expand Mental Health Services in Coastal Bend Schools
The Education Service Center, Region 2 (ESC-2) has been awarded a $5 million federal grant to enhance mental health services across the Coastal Bend region. This grant, provided through the U.S. Department of Education’s Mental Health Service Professionals Demonstration Program, will be used over the next five years to train and support additional school counselors, social workers, and mental health professionals, addressing the critical need for mental health resources in schools.
The funding comes as part of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, championed by U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), and focuses on improving both mental health services and school safety following the Uvalde tragedy. With this grant, ESC-2, which serves 11 counties and nearly 100,000 students, will be able to address the growing demand for student mental health support.
This initiative will also create new employment opportunities for professionals interested in supporting student well-being and safety, enhancing the region's overall educational environment.