Healthy Kids Mental Health Grants Make Impact at Six Northern Virginia Schools

Healthy Kids Grants have traditionally been awarded in the spring and summer for public schools in Northern Virginia that use the funding for a program that promotes nutrition and physical activity. In 2022, the Community Foundation added a grant cycle focused on support for schools offering their students mental health care programming. This is especially pertinent, as rates of youth seeking mental health care treatment have increased, accelerating a pre-pandemic trend. Stay tuned for more about The Shape of Youth Mental Health report, which will be discussed at a Insight Region event on February 1, 2023.

Cherry Run Elementary School/ Fairfax County Public Schools | $1,695
This project will provide a space for over 450 students in preschool through 6th grade to access outdoor educational and social opportunities in the fresh air and in nature, which is known to reduce stress, increase student engagement, and encourage positive health outcomes.

Fairfax County Public Schools Early Child Identification & Services | $1,540
Utilizing the Strengthening Families: Protective Factors framework, preschool children and their families will be provided with techniques to strengthen the parent-child relationship as well as build upon social-emotional skills via weekly opportunities facilitated by a mental health professional.

Fort Belvoir Upper School | $1,977
This project will allow 360 3rd and 4th graders to support self-regulation skill development important for (1) managing emotions & behaviors, (2) improving social & academic functioning, and (3) developing a healthy self-image. Self-regulation is an identified area of need based on SEL survey data.

Briar Woods High School/ Loudoun County Public Schools | $2,000
This project will allow the entire student body of Briar Woods High School to connect and celebrate diversity within the community which in turn drastically improves overall mental health.

Orange Hunt Elementary School/ Fairfax County Public Schools | $1,519
The to-be-named “Sea-renity Room” will allow all students throughout the school year to access a trauma-informed room to de-escalate and feel safe. The current room looks very industrial (e.g., white cinderblock walls, fluorescent lighting) and will be redesigned utilizing trauma-informed design.

Saratoga Elementary School/ Fairfax County Public School | $1,050
This project with allow 60- 5th & 6th graders learn positive self-esteem, growth mindset, emotion regulation, friendship & team work/collaboration skills in weekly hour long group. Additionally, 275 students in K, 2nd & 4th grade will use Lego lessons as part of their tier 1 SEL curriculum.