WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall today announced that Albuquerque and Rio Rancho public schools will receive a total of $795,119 in grants to improve elementary and secondary school counseling programs. These grants were funded through the U.S. Department of Education.
The Albuquerque Public Schools Health and Wellness Department will receive a $397,619 grant, while Rio Rancho Public Schools Student Services will receive $397,500.
"Counseling programs provide invaluable support for students as they strive for academic success and manage difficult social pressures,"said Udall. "This funding will help ensure that schools have the resources they need to offer these key services."
This funding will establish or expand counseling programs through the hiring of qualified professionals, with a goal of expanding the range, availability, quantity, and quality of counseling services available. Counseling services will use a developmental, prevention approach, and will be designed and implemented with parent involvement.
Other project specific goals include: improving student attendance and academic performance, social skills development, parental involvement, counselor and teach professional development, and collaboration with community-based organizations that provide mental health and other services to students.
