M-DCPS Awarded $1M Grant to Launch Rachel’s Challenge Mental Health Initiative at 30 Miami-Dade Middle Schools

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) has been awarded a $1 million U.S. Department of Justice grant to improve school climate and expand mental health support interventions for students at 30 middle schools. The grant will fund a three-year initiative with Rachel’s Challenge to bring the nationally recognized, evidence-based program to over 23,000 students.

Rachel’s Challenge is a whole-school intervention inspired by the legacy of Rachel Scott, a victim of the Columbine High School tragedy. The program aims to prevent bullying, harassment, and violence by promoting positive relationships and mental health.

Just over 94 percent of M-DCPS students identify as a racial or ethnic minority and nearly one-quarter are English language learners, including children representing more than 160 different nationalities. Meeting the needs of such a richly diverse student body is a challenging task that has become even more difficult post-pandemic. By implementing Rachel's Challenge, M-DCPS continues to work towards positive and inclusive school environments for all students.

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