Join Teen Mental Wellness: Empowering Minds

Overview

What is Teen Mental Wellness: Empowering Minds?  

By joining Empowering Minds, high schools agree to work to implement a comprehensive school mental health system informed by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s School Mental Health Framework. This means building a school’s toolkit to be ready to anticipate and meet students’ mental wellness needs.   

By joining Empowering Minds, schools agree to work to implement a comprehensive school mental health system informed by Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s School Mental Health Framework. Schools will receive up to $50,000 per year to support the development of the mental health services infrastructure as well as access to highly trained implementation coaches to advise the day-to-day work. On average, it takes schools anywhere from four to six years to implement the system. Once the implementation phase is complete, schools will enter into the sustainability phase receiving up to $25,000 for up to two years to support the long-term sustainability of the school’s mental health system.  

Criteria

Which schools are eligible to apply?  

Empowering Minds serves only high schools (or any school who serves grades 9-12) in our four-county service region, which includes all of Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties, Germantown in Washington County, and the southern portion of Ozaukee County. We encourage schools of all sectors -- traditional public, charter, Choice and private tuition-funded schools -- to apply. 

How can I learn more?  

Please join us for an information session to learn more about the initiative, the expectations of the high school and United Way, and the application process including the questions and scoring rubric. Both sessions will provide the same information, so please RSVP for only one session.  

2026 Timeline

When does the LOI open?  

The letter of intent (LOI) will open on January 20, 2026, and information on how to access the submission portal, e-CImpact, will be available on this page. Details shared at the information sessions that will assist schools with their LOI will also be made available on this page on or before January 20, 2026. Successful applicants will be invited to complete a full application. Additional details on the application will be provided at a later date.  

Important Dates  

• January 20, 2026 – Letter of Intent submission period opens 
• February 3, 2026 – Letter of Intent is due 
• February 20, 2026 – Applicants notified whether they have qualified to complete a full application and receive instructions on how to complete and submit the application via email.  
• March 19, 2026 – Application is due 
• March 20 – May 5, 2026 – Review period, including meeting with applicants as needed 
• May 15, 2026 – Empowering Minds schools are identified, pending approval from United Way Board of Directors 
• June 30, 2026 – Signed Partnership Agreements from participating schools are due 
• July 1, 2026 - Empowering Minds Schools notified of award status  

Application Link coming soon