Social work director awarded grant for student mental health initiative

KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Western Michigan University proudly congratulates Dr. Kyoung Lee, director of the School of Social Work, on securing a $335,500 grant from the Michigan Department of Education to support the Student Mental Health and Retention Training (SMART) Program. Dr. Lee leads this initiative in collaboration with School of Social Work colleagues Dr. Melinda McCormick, Dr. Hyejoon Park, Ms. Aisha Walters, Mr. Paul Mailloux and Ms. Karla Vandenberg.

The SMART Program, funded through Section 31ff of the State School Aid Act, provides stipends to first- and second-year graduate students in school social work who are completing internships in Michigan schools located in economically disadvantaged areas. Eligible placements include schools where at least 50% of students are economically disadvantaged or schools that received Section 22d funding in the previous fiscal year.

Through Dr. Lee’s leadership, the program ensures that future school social workers gain invaluable hands-on experience supporting students in districts with the greatest need. By strengthening the workforce pipeline in school social work, the SMART Program directly enhances student mental health support, improves retention and expands access to equitable services across the state.