A District Playbook to Address Students’ Growing Mental Health Needs
Education Week reports on how two national organizations partnered to create a district-wide roadmap for boosting students’ mental health.
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The JED and AASA District Mental Health Initiative is a transformative two-year initiative developed by JED and in partnership with AASA, The School Superintendents Association, tailored to support district leaders as they improve their school mental health systems. As a leader in protecting student mental health and preventing suicide, our mission is to fully support you in making meaningful, sustainable, and measurable improvements in student well-being in your district.
JED and AASA are excited to offer the JED and AASA District Mental Health Initiative a two-year, fully supported opportunity to strengthen your district’s school mental health systems.
Full scholarships available
Cohort-based learning with peer collaboration
Customized strategic support from JED and national experts in school mental health
Selection Timeline:
November 3, 2025: Applications open
December 3, 2025: Applications close
December 10, 2025: Selected districts notified
Apply to Join the 2026 National Cohort: Complete the form below to receive the official application for the JED and AASA District Mental Health Initiative.
Comprehensive Assessment & Customized Feedback
We begin by administering JED’s comprehensive suite of assessments, including a district self-assessment, a districtwide staff survey, a principal survey, and surveys for middle school and high school students. Combined, this data paints a holistic picture of your students’ mental health needs, as well as your current capabilities to meet them. Your district receives a complete professional data analysis and report that includes detailed recommendations and visualizations. Combining multiple sources of data, these insights help your district and our team gain a deeper understanding of your schools through a data-informed lens that propels the strategic planning process.
Data-Informed, District-Level Mental Health Strategic Plans
Drawing on the assessment findings and customized feedback, our team works with your district to create a strategic action plan that will serve as your road map for systemic change. The robust plan targets areas in each domain of the Comprehensive Approach to Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention for Districts. Our team guides your district to enhance what is already working and support innovation to address unmet needs.
Expert Insight and Technical Assistance
Our District Mental Health Specialists are experienced professionals in school mental health and pre-K–12 education. Through expert insight, technical assistance, in-person site visits, and ongoing consulting services, your district will receive personalized support as you implement your strategic plan and develop your team’s capacity so you never have to do this work alone.
Sustainability Plan
At your completion of the JED and AASA District Mental Health Initiative, your district will receive a detailed report about its progress and the mental health and well-being of your district community. As our intensive support winds down, we will ensure there is a sustainability plan to maintain and build on your progress.
Testimonials
We are eager to make this investment in the District Comprehensive Approach [pilot program] because we feel it is an important opportunity to learn and grow alongside other innovative and proactive educational and mental health leaders. This group of school districts will be a model for how to strengthen mental health supports for students while also improving their academic and emotional well-being
Participating in the District Comprehensive Approach [pilot program] is our commitment to prioritizing the well-being of our students. Our participation will allow us to cultivate a positive and inclusive culture within our district, fostering resilience, promoting mental health awareness, and ultimately creating an environment where students feel supported and empowered to thrive academically and personally. Sharing insights and successful strategies can inspire other districts and help foster a collective movement toward prioritizing mental health in education, which can ultimately benefit students and educators across the country.
Having a cohort of individuals facing similar challenges and working toward the same goal provides support not only to our students but also to our district as a whole. Participating in the District Comprehensive Approach [pilot program] means that a supportive network of professionals will be working together collaboratively to provide necessary resources for the students entrusted to our care.
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High School Programs and Resources
JED offers programs, trainings, and workshops to create connected school communities.
Mental Health Resource Center
Access resources for teens and young adults about common emotional health issues and how they can make a successful transition to adulthood.