FY2023: Recovery High School Program

Fund Code: 791

Purpose:

The goal of this state-funded targeted grant is to support the implementation of Recovery High School (RHS) Programs, as set forth in M.G.L. c. 71, § 91.

In partnership with a public school or educational collaborative, RHS programs provide a structured plan of recovery for Massachusetts students, ages 14–21, who have been diagnosed with substance use disorder. Additionally, RHS programs offer students a comprehensive four-year high school education, while supporting the individual needs of youth in recovery. These programs work with students on developing and following an individualized recovery plan and an educational plan that meets their academic requirements.

Priorities:

This grant program prioritizes funds to support the operation of Recovery High Schools that:

• address the expectations in the Massachusetts Recovery High School Program Guidelines ;
• incorporate trauma-informed and trauma-sensitive strategies and practices;
• use a culturally responsive approach to Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and articulate strategies to strengthen social emotional competences;
• provide individual and group counseling;
• have developed policies procedures, protocols and best practices regarding the interactions between staff and students;
• offer detailed plans which describe ways to access community-based supports when students are not in school;
• admit and retain students who are in recovery from a substance use disorder and are substance-free;
• drug test students at random intervals, and when there is suspicion of relapse, in order to inform individual recovery plans and goals;
• provide clinical supervision to all staff on a regular basis and as needed.

Eligibility:

All entities that currently operate existing Recovery High Schools in Massachusetts and who have a strategic plan on file with the Department.

Funding Type:

State

Funding:

Approximately $2,500,000 is available. The maximum amount for which an applicant can apply is $500,000.

Funding is contingent upon availability. All dollar amounts listed are estimated/approximate and are subject to change If more funding becomes available it will be distributed under the same guidelines that appear in this RFP document.

Fund Use:

Funds must be used in alignment with the purpose and priorities outlined above and as described in the budget, budget narrative, and required program information that are submitted to the Department's Office of Student and Family Support.

Project Duration:

Pending budget appropriation:

Upon approval (no earlier than 7/1/2022) – 6/30/2023

Contingent on funding appropriation and implementing requirements each year, future funds may be available in FY24 and FY25 for entities operating a RHS.

Program Unit:

Office of Student and Family Support

Contact:

Samantha Graham

Phone Number:

781-338-6305

Date Due:

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

Proposals must be received at the Department by 5:00 p.m. on the date due.

Required Forms:

• Part I — General Program Unit Signature Page (Standard Contract Form and Application for Program Grants)

• Part II — Budget (entered directly in EdGrants, template provided for drafting purposes only)

• Part III — Required Program Information

• Grant Assurances

Additional Information:

Each approved program is required to participate in the following:

• a series of Instructional Rounds as determined by the Department,

• scheduled leadership meetings with the Department, and

• site visits conducted by the Department requiring, in part, RHS programs to self-asses their programs based on expectations found in the Massachusetts Recovery High School Program Guidelines .

To support students with disabilities who are attending RHS programs, there is an administrative advisory entitled: Recovery High Schools and Students Eligible for Special Education.

The Need for Recovery High Schools:

Students with substance use disorders are at risk for a variety of adverse outcomes. Many of these youth have experienced a gap in their academic career because of time spent in treatment or chronic absence related to drug/alcohol use/misuse. These students are at risk of dropping out of high school or falling severely behind in their academics, in addition to other long-term risks.

According to the 2019 Massachusetts Youth Risk Behavior Survey:

• 15.0% of high school students reported binge drinking in the last 30 days
• 26.0% of high school students used marijuana in the past 30 days
• 3.7% of high school students report ever using cocaine

The RHS programs are specialized settings in which students who are committed to recovery can pursue their academic and personal goals in a supportive, sober, safe, structured school environment where recovery efforts are understood, valued and fostered.

Submission Instructions:

Submit all required grant materials through EdGrants.

In EdGrants, applicants are required to create and name the project. Please use the following naming convention for your "Applicant Project Name" in EdGrants:

FY23 FC791 - Recovery High School Grant [Applicant Name]

All items listed under the required forms section of this RFP should be uploaded / attached in the Attachments List of the Application Submission in EdGrants. This includes a signed / scanned PDF of Part I / Coversheet with Superintendent's signature as well as Schedule A form, if applicable to your organization. The final budget the applicant is requesting will be entered directly into EdGrants as part of the application submission process.

For Guidance Documents regarding EdGrants, visit Grants: User Guides, Information and Trainings.

Please note: It is up to the applicant to determine who they want to add as EdGrants Front Office users in order to submit grant application as well as payment request information. Please review the EdGrants: User Security Controls to make informed decisions regarding assigning your district level users.

Last Updated: April 26, 2022