University of South Florida

College of Behavioral and Community Sciences

News

CFS professor receives grant from U.S. Department of Education to improve mental health services in middle schools

Heather George

Heather George, PhD is a professor in the Department of Child and Family Studies.

Congratulations to CFS Professor Heather George, PhD on receiving a 5-year, $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to improve mental health services in middle schools implementing Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS).

The grant, Florida Connect: Interconnecting School Mental Health and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports to Improve Middle School Students' Academic, Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Outcomes, will focus on youth with and at-risk for disabilities, and/or minoritized backgrounds.

Funded under the ED Office of Special Education Programs (CFDA 84.326M, "Absolute Priority 2: Model Demonstration Projects to Enhance Social, Emotional, and Mental Health Services and Supports for Middle or High School Youth with and at Risk for Disabilities"), the grant will be co-led by PI: Heather George, PhD who will provide oversight for fiscal and program management and Co-PI: Joni Splett, PhD from the University of Florida for implementation and data collection with additional expertise from the FLPBIS: MTSS Project in collaboration with Marion County Public Schools. Additional CFS staff involved will be Laura Kern, JD, PhD, Karen Elfner, MA and Dama Abshier, PhD. Learn more here.

Return to article listing

About College of Behavioral & Community Sciences News

The Mission of the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences (CBCS) is to advance knowledge through interdisciplinary teaching, research, and service that improves the capacity of individuals, families, and diverse communities to promote productive, satisfying, healthy, and safe lives across the lifespan. CBCS envisions the college as a globally recognized leader that creates innovative solutions to complex conditions that affect the behavior and well-being of individuals, families, and diverse communities.