Grants

Mental Health Training Grant

Funding: State, Federal

Annual Award: $124,586

Positions Supported: N/A

Contact: lhoward@dnusd.org

In Del Norte County schools, the Mental Health Training Grant—supported by the Mental Health Student Services Act (MHSSA) and federal initiatives like Project Cal-Well—has been instrumental in expanding mental health services for students. The grant funds a range of programs aimed at building staff capacity through training in crisis response, mental health awareness, trauma-informed practices, and social-emotional learning. It also supports partnerships with universities, such as Cal Poly Humboldt, to place Master’s-level social work interns in schools, providing both direct services to students and a pipeline for future mental health professionals in the region.

The grant has enabled the establishment of Wellness Centers at Crescent Elk Middle School, Del Norte High School, and Sunset High School, along with a mobile unit that brings mental health services directly to students across the county. These centers offer access to licensed professionals, peer support groups, mindfulness activities, and crisis intervention. A strong emphasis on sustainability includes using Medi-Cal billing and implementing screening tools and staff surveys to guide data-informed interventions. Collectively, these efforts ensure that students in rural and underserved areas receive timely, school-based mental health support in a familiar, accessible setting.

Foster Youth Services

Funding:Federal, State

Annual Award:2026, Renewed Yearly

Positions Supported:N/A

Contact:pwilder@dnusd.org

Del Norte County schools receive targeted support for foster youth through the Foster Youth Services Coordinating Program (FYSCP), which is funded and awarded by the California Department of Education to county offices of education. This funding allows the Del Norte County Office of Education to coordinate educational services and support systems that help foster youth overcome barriers related to school stability, credit completion, and academic achievement. By collaborating closely with child welfare agencies, school staff, and community partners, the program ensures foster youth receive consistent advocacy and the tools they need to thrive in school.

Through FYSCP, foster youth have access to tailored academic counseling, mentoring, tutoring, and help navigating school transitions due to placement changes. The program also provides staff training on the unique needs and legal rights of foster students, helping to create a more informed and responsive school environment. These efforts aim to reduce dropout rates, improve academic performance, and ensure that foster youth in Del Norte County have the same opportunities for success as their peers.

McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

Funding: Federal, State

Annual Award: $44,060

Positions Supported: N/A

Contact: pwilder@dnusd.org

Del Norte County Schools receive funding through the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, a federal program that ensures children and youth experiencing homelessness have full and equal access to public education. This funding supports a range of services designed to remove barriers that might prevent these students from enrolling, attending, or succeeding in school. In Del Norte, the program is coordinated through a designated Homeless Liaison, who works closely with families, schools, and community agencies to provide direct support and ensure that students’ educational rights are protected.

Services made possible through McKinney-Vento include school supplies, transportation assistance, tutoring, hygiene items, and help with school enrollment—even without traditional documentation. Students also receive access to free meals and referrals to local services for health care, housing, and counseling. Staff training is another key component, helping school personnel understand the needs of homeless students and how to support them effectively. These coordinated efforts promote stability, equity, and academic success for one of the district’s most vulnerable student populations.

Children & Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI)

Funding: State

Annual Award: $50,000

Positions Supported: 1= 1.0 FTE Non-IEP Biller; 1= 0.5 FTE Administrative Assistant

Contact: lhoward@dnusd.org

The Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) is a major state investment aimed at transforming how California supports the mental, emotional, and behavioral health of young people from birth through age 25. Through competitive, state-awarded funding, CYBHI helps schools, counties, and community organizations expand access to behavioral health services—regardless of a student’s insurance status or background. The initiative promotes stronger coordination between schools, health care providers, and public agencies, while also supporting workforce development and the integration of new technologies to reach students in innovative, youth-centered ways.

In Del Norte County, CYBHI funding supports efforts to increase access to school-based mental health services, including counseling, screenings, and partnerships with local providers. It also contributes to professional development for educators in trauma-informed care and early identification of behavioral health needs. With a focus on equity, prevention, and whole-child wellness, CYBHI helps ensure that students in Del Norte schools receive the care they need in safe, supportive environments—ultimately improving academic outcomes and long-term wellbeing.

CAL‑MSCS Grant

Funding: State

Annual Award: $80,485

Positions Supported: Pays for part of the salary for the Coordinator of Professional Learning and Support

Contact: alovejoy@dnusd.org

The CAL‑MSCS Grant, or California Mathematics, Science, and Computer Science Professional Learning Grant, is a state-awarded initiative designed to strengthen professional learning systems in grades 4–12 across the state. Administered by the California Department of Education, this grant provides funding to all 58 County Offices of Education—including Del Norte—after the submission and approval of a locally tailored action plan. The goal is to support high-quality, standards-aligned instruction in mathematics, science, and computer science by investing in teacher training, coaching, and collaboration.

In Del Norte County, the CAL‑MSCS Grant supports educator development through stipends, substitute coverage, planning time, and training aligned with California’s academic standards. These resources help teachers build content knowledge, implement effective instructional strategies, and participate in regional learning networks. By focusing on educator capacity, the grant enhances classroom instruction and supports student achievement in critical STEM subject areas that are essential for college and career readiness.

K–16 Redwood Initiative

Funding: State, Local

Annual Award: $500,000 over 4 years, later reduced by $125,000

Positions Supported: 1= 0.5 FTE CTE Teacher; 1= 0.5 FTE CTE Program Technician

Contact: matthewlong@dnusd.org

The K–16 Redwood Initiative is a regional effort aimed at creating seamless, supported pathways from high school to college and into high-demand careers, particularly in health care and education. Funded through the California K–16 Education Collaborative Grant Program, the initiative brings together K–12 districts, community colleges, four-year universities, and local employers to align systems and remove barriers to postsecondary success. In Del Norte County, the initiative focuses on improving college and career readiness through expanded dual enrollment opportunities, targeted advising, and workforce-aligned learning experiences.

Through this initiative, Del Norte students benefit from access to college courses while still in high school, career speakers and panels, on-site pathway coordinators, and personalized support that helps them navigate their postsecondary options. The program also provides stipends and resources for students pursuing education or healthcare fields, helping to reduce financial barriers and increase local workforce development. By strengthening partnerships across the education pipeline, the K–16 Redwood Initiative is building a more equitable and connected system that prepares Del Norte students for long-term success in both college and career.

First 5 IMPACT

Funding: State

Annual Award: $60,000

Positions Supported: 1= 1.0 FTE Early Childhood Education Coach

Contact: lholloway@dnusd.org

First 5 IMPACT (Improve and Maximize Programs so All Children Thrive) is a statewide initiative that supports early learning and school readiness for children from birth to age five. In Del Norte County, this funding is administered by First 5 Del Norte and helps strengthen the quality of preschool, transitional kindergarten, and early learning environments through a focus on educator support, family engagement, and developmental preparation. By participating in the Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS), local schools and early learning providers receive resources and coaching to improve classroom practices and ensure young children are entering kindergarten ready to learn.

Through this initiative, Del Norte schools and community partners offer professional development for early childhood educators, provide families with access to books and literacy programs like the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, and support school-readiness activities for incoming TK and kindergarten students. First 5 IMPACT also helps fund health and developmental screenings, oral health education, and family workshops that promote early brain development and positive parenting. Together, these services create a stronger foundation for children’s lifelong learning and success.

Modern Youth Internships Academies (MYIA)

Funding: Federal

Annual Award: Initially $200,000 over 5 years, reduced to $0

Positions Supported: N/A

Contact: matthewlong@dnusd.org

The Modern Youth Internship Academies (MYIA) program provides Del Norte County high school students with meaningful, paid internship experiences that connect classroom learning to real-world careers. Funded through the federally awarded Perkins Innovation and Modernization (PIM) Grant, MYIA is designed to support rural students by offering work-based learning opportunities in fields such as healthcare, agriculture, environmental services, and education. Students typically complete 80–120 hours of work during the semester or summer and are compensated for their time—often earning around $17 per hour—while also gaining elective credit and career-readiness skills.

MYIA goes beyond traditional internships by offering one-on-one mentoring, career coaching, and training in soft skills such as financial literacy, communication, and professionalism. Students may also have the option to dual enroll at College of the Redwoods to earn work experience credit. With support from school staff and regional career readiness coordinators, participants explore career interests, build confidence, and establish valuable relationships with local employers. MYIA helps bridge the gap between education and employment, preparing students in Del Norte for success in both college and the workforce.

T.U.P.E. CTAT

Funding: State

Annual Award: $37,500

Positions Supported: N/A

Contact: aeckart@dnusd.org

The Tobacco-Use Prevention Education (T.U.P.E.) CTAT Grant for Grades 6–12 is a competitive state grant administered by the California Department of Education. “CTAT” stands for County Technical Assistance and Training, which supports County Offices of Education in leading regional efforts to prevent tobacco and nicotine use among students. The grant funds evidence-based education, intervention, and support programs that address both traditional tobacco products and newer threats like e-cigarettes and flavored vaping devices. The goal is to equip schools with the tools and training needed to reduce youth tobacco use and promote healthy decision-making.

In Del Norte schools, T.U.P.E. funding supports a range of services including classroom prevention curriculum, staff professional development, and peer-led outreach activities. Students participate in education that emphasizes the health risks of tobacco and vaping, while those already using substances have access to cessation resources and counseling. The grant also enables collaboration with public health and community agencies, ensuring consistent messaging and intervention strategies across the county. With support from the CTAT structure, Del Norte benefits from a coordinated, data-informed approach to student health and substance-use prevention.

Classified School Employees Teacher Credentialing Program

Funding: State

Annual Award: $62,400

Positions Supported: N/A

Contact: cparker@dnusd.org

The Classified School Employees Teacher Credentialing Program is a competitive, state-funded initiative administered by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). The program is designed to support classified staff—such as instructional aides, custodians, office staff, and bus drivers—on their pathway to becoming fully credentialed teachers. Through this grant, local education agencies receive funding to help eligible employees complete their bachelor’s degrees, meet credentialing requirements, and transition into teaching roles within their communities.

In Del Norte schools, this funding creates a homegrown pipeline of future educators by investing in people already committed to serving students. Participants receive financial assistance for tuition, books, and exam fees, along with academic advising, mentoring, and flexible scheduling to accommodate their work responsibilities. By supporting classified staff on their journey to becoming teachers, the program not only addresses teacher shortages—particularly in hard-to-staff areas like special education and bilingual education—but also strengthens retention by uplifting individuals who are deeply rooted in the local community.

Golden State Pathways Program (GSPP) Planning Grant

Funding: State

Annual Award: $122,759

Positions Supported: 1.0 FTE teacher for Pathway curriculum planning

Contact: alovejoy@dnusd.org

The Golden State Pathways Program (GSPP) Planning Grant is a competitive state-funded initiative aimed at helping schools design college and career pathways that lead to high-wage, high-skill, and high-demand careers. Del Norte High School was awarded a GSPP Planning Grant to explore and establish a dedicated Education Pathway, with the goal of developing a pipeline of future educators starting right in the local community. This effort aligns with broader statewide goals to address the teacher shortage while expanding access to meaningful career and college preparation for high school students.

Through this grant, DNHS is working with district leaders, postsecondary partners, and community organizations to design a sequenced pathway that may include dual enrollment courses, work-based learning experiences, and industry-aligned curriculum focused on education and child development. The planning phase also supports needs assessments, outreach to students and families, and alignment with credentialing opportunities like the Classified School Employees Teacher Credentialing Program. When fully implemented, the Education Pathway will give Del Norte students a head start on careers in teaching and education-related fields—while strengthening the local workforce and improving long-term educational outcomes.

Community Engagement Initiative (CEI) Cohort VI, Joe Hamilton

Funding: State

Annual Award: $140,000

Positions Supported: N/A

Contact: lhoward@dnusd.org

The California Statewide System of Support (SSOS) was established to build local capacity to ensure that districts are equipped to develop, implement, and evaluate strategies to ensure that each student has the resources needed to succeed. The SSOS includes the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE), the California Department of Education, county offices of education, as well as many other entities that serve as “Leads” in particular areas. The Community Engagement Initiative was added to the Statewide System of Support through an important investment made through the Budget Act of 2018. The Community Engagement Initiative was established for the purpose of:

The Community Engagement Initiative was established for the purpose of:

Building capacity in communities and school districts to have difficult conversations with each other and build trust, with a focus on improving outcomes for pupils.

Identifying effective models of community engagement and metrics to evaluate those models.

Developing effective peer-to-peer partnerships between school districts and county offices of education to deepen community engagement.

Improve community engagement statewide and incorporate practices that prove effective toward school district and county office of education continuous improvement efforts.

Del Norte Indian Career Pathways Program

Funding: Local

Annual Award: $508,914

Positions Supported: 1= 0.5 Program Supervisor; 3= 0.875 Program Technicians

• 1= 0.5 Program Supervisor
• 3= 0.875 Program Technicians

Contact: jloftin@dnusd.org

The program is dedicated to serving American Indian students in Del Norte County, including those from the Yurok Tribe, Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation, Elk Valley Rancheria, and Resighini Rancheria, as well as students who belong to tribes outside the region. It actively collaborates with local tribal communities—most notably the Yurok Tribe, Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation, and Resighini Rancheria—to ensure that programming is responsive to the unique cultural and educational needs of Native students. These partnerships are central to aligning educational support with community priorities and traditions.

Among the program’s key initiatives is the Redwood Coast Indian Career Pathways (RCICP), which provides targeted guidance and resources for students in grades 6–12, helping them explore and prepare for future careers. This work is part of a broader, regional effort to uplift Native American youth through culturally relevant education and career development. Additional opportunities, such as the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Pathways Program, further expand students' access to internships and career pathways within Tribal Nations and the BIA, reinforcing a comprehensive support system that empowers Native students in both academic and professional pursuits.

Career Technical Education Incentive Grant (CTEIG)

Funding: State

Annual Award: $303,003 currently being spent down, $383,889 ready to spend after.

Positions Supported:

• 4= 0.8 FTE CTE Teachers (0.2 x 4)
• 3= 0.5 FTE CTE Program Technicians

Contact: matthewlong@dnusd.org

Career Technical Education (CTE) in Del Norte County schools is supported by a combination of federal and state grants—including Perkins V, the Career Technical Education Incentive Grant (CTEIG), the K12 Strong Workforce Program (K12 SWP), and the Golden State Pathways Program (GSPP). These funding sources enable the district to offer robust, industry-aligned pathways that prepare students for both college and high-wage, high-skill careers. Through this support, students engage in hands-on learning experiences in areas such as agriculture, health sciences, welding, and culinary arts, often earning college credit or industry certifications while still in high school.

CTE funding also enhances student access to work-based learning opportunities like internships, job shadowing, and field trips, while supporting teacher training, curriculum development, and equipment upgrades to meet industry standards. Programs are designed in partnership with local employers, College of the Redwoods, and regional workforce boards to ensure relevance and sustainability. By investing in high-quality CTE pathways, Del Norte schools are equipping students with the practical skills, confidence, and credentials they need to succeed in today’s competitive job market or continue their education beyond high school.

Department of Health Care Access & Information (HCAI)

Funding: State

Annual Award:$344,520

Positions Supported:

• 3= Wellness Coach II
• 5= Wellness Coach I

Contact: lhoward@dnusd.org

In Del Norte County, the Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) plays a critical role in expanding access to health careers for students and strengthening the local health workforce. Through competitive, state-awarded funding, HCAI supports initiatives that prepare students for high-demand fields such as behavioral health, primary care, and allied health. These programs often include scholarships, stipends, internships, and partnerships that create clear pathways from high school into postsecondary training and employment in the health sector—especially in underserved and rural communities like Del Norte.

Locally, HCAI funding helps schools and community partners develop health-focused career pathways and host work-based learning experiences, such as job shadowing or mentored internships. These efforts are aligned with broader goals to grow a culturally competent, community-connected workforce that can meet the behavioral and physical health needs of the region. By investing in both students and training infrastructure, HCAI strengthens not only educational opportunity but also long-term health outcomes.

Mental Health Services & Accountability Commission (MHSOAC)

Funding: State

Annual Award:$644,665

Positions Supported:

• 1 = 1.0 FTE Program Tech (Mobile Wellness Center)
• 1 = 1.0 FTE Mental Health Supervisor
• 2 = 1.0 FTE Wellness Coaches

Contact: lhoward@dnusd.org

The Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (MHSOAC) plays a central role in shaping and supporting California’s public mental health system, particularly through programs that serve children and youth. Funded by the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), MHSOAC awards grants to county behavioral health departments to promote early intervention, community-based care, and innovative mental health strategies. In Del Norte County, MHSOAC funding supports school-county partnerships that provide students with access to timely mental health services, wellness education, and staff training—all designed to improve student well-being and academic success.

Through initiatives like the Mental Health Student Services Act (MHSSA), Del Norte schools benefit from expanded mental health staffing, school-based wellness centers, crisis prevention programs, and coordinated support with local providers. MHSOAC’s approach emphasizes equity, trauma-informed care, and the importance of intervening early to reduce long-term mental health challenges. By supporting these efforts through awarded funding, MHSOAC helps ensure that students in Del Norte have access to safe, supportive environments where their mental and emotional health needs are recognized and addressed.