The National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD) and its partners, Child Trends and Mental Health America, invite states to apply to participate in a two-year Learning Collaborative to advance health in schools through supports for developing, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based policies, practices, and programs focused on the emotional well-being of students and staff. Two to four states will be selected to participate for the 25-26 and 26-27 school years, along with at least one LEA per state. Each participating LEA will receive a stipend that may be spent at the discretion of the district. 

Why apply? Our youth are in crisis. Per the most recent YRBSS data, poor mental health and suicidal thoughts and behaviors are increasing for nearly all groups of youth. Furthermore, we know school staff have been reporting high levels of stress and burnout. By joining this learning collaborative, state teams have the opportunity to address the crisis head on through connecting with and learning from other states and engaging in TA provision to LEAs in partnership with NACDD, Child Trends and Mental Health America.

Applications opened in May 2025 and are being reviewed on a rolling basis until the application closes on August 15, 2025 11:59pm ET. To ensure the best possible consideration, we strongly encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible. The application asks you to share the names of your team members and respond to a mix of quantitative and qualitative questions. Faxed, mailed, or emailed submissions will not be accepted. Notification of acceptance will be sent by August 31, 2025.

Click here to apply.