Clark University, in partnership with the Southbridge Public Schools, received a Synergy Initiative Planning Grant of $249,994 in 2024 for the Southbridge CARES project. Southbridge CARES is a robust school-based mental health program that leverages state-of-the-art tech-enabled products and services, all designed to address students’ academic, social-emotional, and college and career needs.

Goals for the planning year include conducting a community scan of behavioral health programs and services in the district, training school counselors in the interventions, engaging community partners, and developing an evaluation plan, including identifying a school with similar demographics to participate as a comparison site.

The project has the potential to build the infrastructure for the district to provide evidence-based behavioral health programs and services for high-need students and create a model for replication at other schools with profound needs for mental health services and limited resources.

2024 – Planning Grant	$249,994
Total	$249,994