Episode 16: Project Provide: Strengthening the Future of School Mental Health

This week on the Boston School Psychs Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Jennifer Greif Green of Boston University and Cynthia Lê of Boston Public Schools for an in-depth conversation on Project Provide, a federally funded initiative designed to strengthen the school mental health workforce. Together, they share how this multi-million dollar grant is supporting the recruitment, training, mentorship, and retention of school psychologists, school counselors, and school social workers across the district.The discussion explores how Project Provide was developed through strong collaboration between Boston Public Schools, local universities, and community partners. Dr. Green and Cynthia explain how these partnerships create meaningful, paid internship opportunities that allow graduate students to fully engage in their training without the added burden of outside employment. They also highlight the program’s dual focus on both recruitment and retention, including structured mentorship models and ongoing professional development to support current staff.Listeners will gain insight into how data-based decision making and continuous feedback have shaped the program over time. The conversation highlights how improvements across cohorts have been driven by intentional adjustments, strong evaluation practices, and a commitment to using participant feedback to refine systems and supports. This emphasis on continuous improvement has contributed to increased satisfaction and stronger outcomes for those involved in the program.The episode also dives into the broader impact of workforce development in school mental health. Dr. Green and Cynthia discuss the importance of investing in training pipelines, building sustainable systems, and creating environments where professionals feel supported and valued. They share how these efforts ultimately expand access to services and improve outcomes for students and families.Finally, the conversation highlights what keeps them hopeful in a time of growing mental health needs in schools. From a renewed national focus on youth mental health to the power of relationships and shared mission, this episode underscores the importance of collaboration and long-term investment in the field. Whether you are a graduate student, early career professional, district leader, or experienced practitioner, this episode offers practical insights and inspiration for strengthening school mental health systems in your own community.