The State of Michigan’s 31aa funding provides $26.5 million in state resources to support student mental health and school safety initiatives. Eligible recipients include school districts, intermediate school districts, non-public schools, and the Michigan School for the Deaf.
The funding can be used for a variety of activities, including:
- Hiring or contracting mental health support staff like counselors and social workers
- Implementing mental health screening tools and online behavioral health platforms
- Providing training for staff on topics related to mental health and school safety
- Upgrading safety infrastructure
To access the 31aa funds, eligible recipients must opt-in through the GEMS/MARS system between September 3 and November 1, 2024. Awards will be distributed on a per-pupil basis, with an estimated amount of $17.60 per student.
As Michigan school districts explore how to best utilize new 31aa mental health and school safety funding, scalability and sustainability of solutions should be top of mind. Alongside is a well-aligned solution that can make a huge impact. Read on to explore four ways Alongside maps to 31aa funding...
SEE ALSO: Download the K-12 Mental Health Buyer’s Guide
Address Staffing Shortages & Support More Students with Alongside
Alongside is a web-based behavioral health platform that provides tier 1 mental health prevention and early intervention support to middle and high school students. Alongside is self-directed and available 24/7 in 36 languages, allowing students to get the help they need when they need it. Students receive immediate support through engaging with Alongside’s chatbot and in-app resources, created by a team of doctoral mental health experts and directly informed by evidenced-based clinical models.
4 Ways Alongside Maps to Michigan's 31aa Funding
With the 31aa funding's focus on mental health support and school safety, the Alongside platform is uniquely positioned to help districts maximize their investment. Here's how:
1. Identify Students Suffering in Silence
A key focus of the 31aa legislation is helping schools identify students in need of mental health support. Alongside's clinician-developed chatbot and digital tools provide a private, accessible way for students to share what they're going through. This allows schools to proactively reach students who may be reluctant to speak up in person.
2. Reach the Unreached with Scalable Preventative Care
31aa funding can be used to implement online mental health tools moderated by licensed professionals. Alongside's evidence-based activities and chatbot interventions allow schools to provide personalized, high-quality preventative care to far more students than traditional in-person approaches, effectively tripling their impact. What’s more, students often use Alongside as an on-ramp to connect with a counselor if they need more support.
3. Address Staff Shortages by Maximizing Impact of Existing Team
While 31aa funds can be used to hire or contract with additional mental health support staff, the reality is that in many communities there is not an adequate supply of qualified candidates. While Alongside cannot replace the important role of human care in supporting students with severe issues, it can help school mental health teams meet everyday student needs more efficiently and free up time to focus on students with the highest acuity.
4. Increase Student Safety with Severe Issue Monitoring & Support
31aa allows funding for technology platforms that help mitigate issues like cyberbullying, violence, and self-harm. Alongside assists in the detection of severe issues so that staff can intervene, while also empowering students with proactive skill-building and preventative care. Schools using Alongside report significant reductions in disciplinary referrals.
Comprehensive, Evidence-Based Approach Ideally Suited for 31aa Funding
Alongside was built from the ground up by a team of doctoral-level mental health experts. Its clinician-developed AI chat modules, rigorous data privacy, and focus on proven outcomes make it an ideal solution for schools looking to responsibly and effectively deploy their 31aa funding.
As Michigan schools navigate the mental health crisis, 31aa funding represents a valuable opportunity. By partnering with Alongside, districts can unlock the full potential of these funds and deliver meaningful, lasting impact for their students.
To learn more about how Alongside can support your 31aa initiatives, schedule a call with our team.
