CHESTER, PA - March 25, 2024 -  The Chester Upland School District (CUSD) is excited to announce that it was recently awarded a $1,833,360 grant by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) through the federal Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) Stronger Connections Program. This grant aims to establish safe, healthy, and supportive learning opportunities and environments for staff and students.

The funding awarded to CUSD will be used to address students’ social, emotional, physical, and mental well-being needs, create positive, inclusive, and supportive school environments, and increase access to evidence-based interventions and services.

CUSD’s objectives will be achieved through a series of targeted programs, initiatives, and activities:

Objective 1: Addressing students’ well-being needs

• Implementation of evidence-based programs such as SPARK Mentoring curricula and Penn Resilience Program.
• Provision of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for students struggling with various mental health challenges.
• Focus on Tier 2 and Tier 3 services by Master’s level mental health professionals.

Objective 2: Engaging stakeholders in creating safe learning environments

• Family Outreach Coordinators to enhance parent and family engagement through programs like Family Check-Up and Attendance Mailings Home.
• Utilization of technology for effective communication with parents through strategies like Texting with Parents.

Dr. Latrice N. Mumin, Ed. D., MBA, Interim Superintendent of Schools, expressed gratitude, stating, "We are thankful to our state elected officials for advocating for this crucial funding. This grant will have a significant impact on our school community, enabling us to create safer and more supportive environments for our students and staff.  We take a holistic approach to educating our scholars and this grant will help us have access to more resources that align with that vision.”

Chester Upland School District Receiver Nafis Nichols echoed Dr. Mumin’s sentiment, emphasizing the significant impact the funding will have on the district. “We are excited to receive this much needed funding so that we can address issues and implement positive initiatives district-wide,” said Receiver Nichols. “We are grateful to our partners and advocates on the state level who work collaboratively with us to ensure our students have the resources they need to successfully transition to adulthood. CUSD is committed to focusing on the mental health needs of our students and grant funding will help us meet our goals.”