Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) has received a $5 million federal grant to expand its team of school psychologists. The four-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education, called the School-Based Mental Health Demonstration Grant, will support partnerships with Alverno College and the University of Wisconsin–Madison to train future school psychologists through education, practicums, and internships.
Accrding to the Milwaukee Public Schools release, the funding will add five intern positions, as well as half-time mentor and practicum support roles, to strengthen mental health services for students. MPS has seen increased demand for these services since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The district’s Office of Psychological Services (OPS) was recognized as exemplary by the National Association of School Psychologists in 2025. Many MPS school psychologists completed their practicums within the district, helping maintain a connection between training and local schools. The grant aims to expand this pipeline and improve access to school-based mental health support across MPS.
