Grandview awarded $4 million grant to address school psychologist gaps in Yakima Valley

March 5, 2026 - 20:45

A significant federal investment is set to transform student mental health services in Washington's Yakima Valley. The Grandview School District has been awarded a substantial $4 million grant specifically designed to combat a critical shortage of school psychologists in the region.

This five-year funding initiative, provided by the U.S. Department of Education, will establish a robust pipeline for new mental health professionals. The core of the program involves creating paid, supervised internships for graduate students pursuing careers as school psychologists. These aspiring professionals will gain hands-on experience within Grandview's schools, providing immediate support to students while completing their training.

District officials emphasize that the need for such resources is urgent and growing. The grant will directly serve the nearly 3,800 students across Grandview's six schools, offering crucial early intervention and sustained mental and behavioral health support. The program aims not only to fill current vacancies but to build a sustainable model for recruiting and retaining these essential specialists for years to come, ensuring Yakima Valley students have consistent access to the care they need to succeed academically and socially.