Join Bridge to discuss federal COVID funding to lift student mental health

Join Bridge Michigan, Chalkbeat Detroit and the Detroit Free Press on Wednesday, March 16 from 4 -5 pm for a free, online panel discussion on how Michigan school districts are using federal COVID funds to support students’ mental health.

Michigan districts are endeavoring to use part of $6 billion in federal COVID funds, the largest single influx of federal education dollars in state history, to implement new curriculums and programs focused on student well-being and hire much-needed social workers and counselors. This event will explore what’s working and what’s not, which supports have proven effective over time, whether districts are investing in these best practices, and what students and educators say they need.

Related stories: 

• Watch Bridge’s Lunch Break discussion about COVID mandates, K-12 education in Michigan
• Watch Bridge’s Lunch Break discussion on youth mental health in Michigan

As Bridge has reported, Michigan has a significant shortage of mental health resources available to struggling youth during the pandemic, exacerbating a problem that existed long before COVID hit the state. During the discussion, Bridge Michigan health reporter Robin Erb will discuss what the research says about the rising tide of mental anguish suffered by children and teens during the pandemic. 

Please RSVP for this event to be sent the webinar information as well as an opportunity to submit your ideas for questions. This event is the first in a four-part national Chalkbeat series titled COVID and Mental Health.

To regularly receive advance notification of what Bridge’s nonprofit newsroom is planning and receive member-exclusive benefits — such as free Bridge event tickets, copies of our bimonthly Bridge Book Club selections and more — become a Bridge Club member today. 

We look forward to seeing you on March 16!