Summary
The U.S. Education Department decided to stop $1 billion in funding for mental health programs in schools, affecting a program at the University of Oklahoma. The program, funded by federal grants, aimed to train school counselors to support students' mental health, especially in rural areas. The funding cut happens two years earlier than expected, impacting student counselors like Anna Olson.
Key Facts
- The U.S. Education Department discontinued over 200 mental health training grants.
- The University of Oklahoma's PRIME program was funded by a $5.6 million grant.
- The grant came from the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to address youth mental health.
- Funding for OU's program will stop in December 2025, two years early.
- Several states, including New York and Wisconsin, are suing to restore the funding.
- Programs affected can request the decision to be reconsidered.
- The Education Department said these cuts align with the current Administration's priorities.
