Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) has been awarded $750,000 to bolster its school psychology graduate program. This funding is part of the $4 million Student Support Personnel Workforce Pipeline Program, which provided grants to 10 programs across seven Minnesota universities, aiming to strengthen the education workforce statewide.
At MSUM, over 30 school psychology students have already benefited from this significant grant, which supports students as they work toward licensure and prepares them to fill critical roles in Minnesota’s educational system.
The Student Support Personnel Workforce Pipeline Program focuses on creating a robust pipeline of licensed student support personnel by funding studies in key areas, including:
- School Psychology programs offering specialist certificates or doctoral degrees approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) or accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).
- Undergraduate or graduate School Social Work programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
- Graduate-level School Counselor programs accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Services (CACREP).
- Undergraduate Nursing programs from regionally accredited institutions.
“These grants are a significant investment in the future of Minnesota’s education workforce,” said Dr. Mary Dosch, MDE project director and MSUM psychology professor. “By helping students become licensed school psychologists, we are addressing the critical need for student support personnel and creating a more diverse and inclusive workforce.”
The grant aims not only to address the urgent need for student support professionals in schools but also to create a workforce that reflects diversity, equity, and inclusion values. This funding will enable the next generation of school psychologists to make a meaningful impact, providing critical support to students across Minnesota.
For school psychology professionals, this initiative underscores the importance of continued investments in workforce development to meet the demands of contemporary education systems and ensure students receive the services they need.