Michigan State University Extension has been awarded a $1.55 million federal grant to fund a program aimed at equipping Michigan youth with vital mental health skills and preventing school violence.

The program is called STOP School Violence, and the acronym stands for Students, Teachers, and Officers Preventing School Violence. The program is hosted by the National Center for School Safety, which is housed within the University of Michigan’s Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention.

The initiative is designed to teach youth how to recognize mental health issues, respond appropriately, and seek necessary support. By increasing students’ understanding and skills, the program hopes to reduce incidents of school violence.

The grant launched in 2023, and leaders with the program say it’s become increasingly important in light of rising youth mental health challenges.