Project AWARE
Our goal at Project AWARE is to increase awareness of mental health issues among Rhode Island's school-aged children.
We provide training to educators so they can deal effectively with mental health problems and help connect students and their families with mental health services they need.
Project AWARE, RI is a 5-year program funded by $1.8 million in annual grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Funding allows RIDE to work in partnership with the Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) to ensure state agencies work collaboratively to improve and expand for nearly 40,000 students in Providence, Pawtucket, and Woonsocket.
New partnerships
As a result of Project AWARE, 10 new, formal partnerships were created between school districts and mental health organizations.
New district policies
We enacted 13 new district policies relating to youth mental health services, student safety, and school responsiveness.
Educator Trainings
Over 4,000 teachers, support staff, and parents received mental health training on over 50 topics.
An immediate impact for a brighter future
6,032 enrolled students from Pawtucket, Providence, & Woonsocket School Districts took part in state-wide activities
Schools targeted; 1 middle school and 10 elementary schools
Students screened for mental & behavioral health services
Referred to support services that suit their specific circumstance
Accessed support services referred to by Project AWARE
The lessons learned from these pilot sites will allow RIDE, DCYF and the School Health Advisory Council (SHAC), comprised of 38 health, human services and education organizations from around the state to provide behavioral health services to our youth statewide and plan for the sustainability of those efforts.
Project AWARE in 2022 and beyond
Moving into year four, school-based mental health services and support will be expanded through collaboration with the Rhode Island Department of Education and new community partners. The collaborative process will involve information sharing, resource exchange, and the creation of a shared vision.