Background
In 2023, the Student Services/Prevention and Wellness Team was awarded another five year, $9 million grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) to continue work in Project AWARE (Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education).
Through targeted efforts with two LEA sites and 12 regional partners, the primary objectives of the project include:
- Increasing LEA capacity to connect children and youth to appropriate school and community mental health services.
- Increasing mental health literacy for students, staff, and the community.
- Focusing on partnerships and collaboration between state, regional, and local systems to promote the healthy development of school-aged youth.
- Building regional capacity to support Comprehensive School Mental Health System Implementation.
Participating Districts
The included map showcases the school districts participating in comprehensive school mental health technical assistance (2024-25, 2025-26) and networked improvement community (2024-26) for the noted years.
Networked Improvement Community: 2024-2026
Advancing Organizational Well-Being Through Improvement Science
Eleven school district teams from across Wisconsin are currently participating in a comprehensive initiative to enhance organizational well-being through the application of improvement science methodologies and rapid cycle Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) processes.
- Our Mission
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We recognize that effective student support begins with a thriving educational organization. Our focus centers on ensuring that educational professionals experience meaningful collegial connections, derive purpose from their work, receive recognition for their contributions, and maintain healthy professional boundaries that sustain their quality of life.
- Program Timeline
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Current Phase: Active improvement cycles continue through the 2025-26 school year.
Future Opportunities: Beginning Fall 2026, additional Wisconsin school districts may join the next Networked Improvement Community cohort.
- Interested In Joining The 2026-27 NIC?
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Please review the NIC Flyer and the NIC Spec Sheet for detailed information on Project AWARE’s upcoming Networked Improvement Community.
For questions about the current initiative or to express interest in future participation opportunities, please contact your regional CESA representative.
Tools and Resources
- The Project AWARE Regional Supports document describes the different levels of support provided by regional partners funded through Project AWARE. For more information about these services, reach out to your local CESA.
- Project AWARE Frequently Asked Questions