MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that the University of Memphis will receive a $398,850 grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Mental Health Service Professionals Demonstration Program to recruit and retain a diverse cohort of future school counselors focused on “high need” students of the Memphis and Shelby County Schools.

The funding is the first installment of an expected five-year commitment to provide financial assistance, field placement experience, and professional development for future pre-K through 12th grade school counselors.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“This substantial support for a program providing diverse student counseling professionals for our public schools is both timely and essential. We know that students are facing tough conditions adjusting in these pandemic and post-pandemic times. Highly skilled school counselors can help them navigate these situations. I am pleased to see the University stepping up to meet these needs and appreciate the Department of Education’s long-term commitment to our community.”