Student support conference to draw over 250 educators to CSUMB

A summer conference focused on the Multi-Tiered System of Support is the latest endeavor for Cal State Monterey Bay’s Project REACH, a program focused on improving the mental health and educational support of students. 

MTSS is a framework for helping educators meet those goals, and Project REACH’s first MTSS Summit will be held from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1, in the Otter Student Union Ballroom. The event is free and more than 250 educators from the region are expected to attend.

Similar but smaller events have been held in the past and were organized by CSUMB’s school psychology program, said Gina Lopez, coordinator for Project REACH. A 2023 U.S. Department of Education grant – $6 million over five years – along with support from area agencies, is allowing organizers to not only expand the summit but also make it more accessible.

The Monterey County Office of Education, Monterey County Behavioral Health and AIM Youth Mental Health are partnering with CSUMB and providing additional funding for the event.

The DOE grant also funds annual scholarships of $25,000 for 10 school psychologists and 10 school social workers. 

“The sole objective is to make sure students have the support they need,” Lopez said of the grant project and, in particular, the summit. “There will be sessions on positive behavior support, mental health and wellness, and building inclusive schools.

“We also have a lunchtime activity where [attendees] will assess MTSS in their district and come up with a plan of action to improve it,” she added.  

While the event is free, those planning to attend should register ahead of time as space is limited. 

For information on the school psychology program, contact the Department of Education and Leadership at teachmb@csumb.edu or 831-582-3639. For information on the school social worker program, contact the Department of Social Work at msw@csumb.edu or 831-582-5316.