South Middlesex Times

Rutgers University is set to enhance mental health support in Newark schools through a new initiative funded by a $4.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP) at Rutgers will train and place graduate students in Newark schools, focusing on aiding youth facing mental health challenges.

The funding comes from the department’s Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Program, which aims to expand student access to school-based mental health services nationwide. The GSAPP-led Pathways Project will collaborate with the Newark Board of Education, Rutgers School of Social Work, and the School of Arts and Sciences at Rutgers University-Newark.

Over five years, graduate students specializing in school psychology and social work will be placed in six district schools, with placements yet to be finalized. The program's first cohort is expected to begin in 2025.

Newark is New Jersey’s largest school district, serving over 42,000 students. With a poverty rate of 24.7%, more than double the national average, there is a pressing need for expanded youth mental health services in the area.

“There is an urgent need to recruit and retain culturally, linguistically and ethnically diverse graduate students to deliver high-quality mental health services in high-need schools,” said Elisa Shernoff, co-principal investigator and associate professor in GSAPP’s school psychology department. “The Pathways Project provides an unprecedented opportunity for unique, interdisciplinary training in social work and school psychology with teams of providers who will develop competence delivering inclusive, evidence-based mental health services.”

Fellows participating in the program will provide mental health services through paid practicum and internships supported by stipends from the grant. In return, they commit to serving in Newark schools or another high-need district after graduation.

Margaret O’Donoghue and Trinay V. Thomas from the School of Social Work will lead recruitment efforts for social work fellows. With nearly 25% of Newark students learning English as a second language, recruitment will focus on multilingual fellows to improve communication with students and families.

“The Pathways Project is a great opportunity for Newark Public Schools to partner with Rutgers University in preparing future social workers and psychologists to meet the needs of our students,” said Newark Board of Education Superintendent Roger León.

Program organizers also aim to establish practical training placements within the Newark Board of Education through advocacy and long-term planning. They plan to collaborate with Rutgers faculty on pipeline initiatives for undergraduate students interested in careers related to mental health service delivery.

Gregory noted that many undergraduate students are interested in fields like psychology and social work: “We want to help shine a light on the various training pathways toward meaningful careers – careers where they can make a difference in the lives of youth.”