Virginia Department of Education Celebrates the Success of Virginia Career and Learning Center in Supporting School Mental Health Initiatives

The Virginia Department of Education’s Office of Behavioral Health and Student Safety and Old Dominion University’s Center for Implementation and Evaluation of Education Systems (CIEES) are proud to report the remarkable success of the Virginia Career and Learning Center website, an initiative funded through a federal, five-year School-Based Mental Health (SBMH) grant program. Designed to enhance the recruitment, retention, and professional development of school mental health professionals (SMHPs) across Virginia, the website has delivered exceptional outcomes, playing a critical role in advancing student mental health support within the state.

Launched in 2021 as part of a comprehensive strategy to address the growing need for mental health professionals in Virginia schools, the Career and Learning Center has exceeded expectations. With substantial growth in website engagement and measurable improvements in hiring and retention metrics, the success of the Career and Learning Center underscores the commitment of VDOE to fostering a network of professionals dedicated to student mental health and well-being.

Unprecedented Engagement and Outreach

The Career and Learning Center’s strategic focus on digital and social media outreach has garnered impressive results. Website traffic has surged by 549 percent since its launch, with over 10,500 users accessing the platform to explore its array of resources and employment opportunities. Social media engagement has increased by 63 percent, while programmatic advertising has driven 3,700 users to the site, showcasing the effectiveness of VDOE’s outreach efforts.

Beyond building awareness, the platform has posted over 400 SMHP job openings, connecting school divisions with a growing pool of qualified professionals and streamlining the process from inquiry to application.

Transforming Recruitment and Retention in Virginia Schools

Since the introduction of the Career and Learning Center, the state has made significant strides in strengthening its ranks of school-based mental health professionals: school counselors, social workers, and school psychologists. Over the multi-year span of the SBMH grants, 189 SMHPs have been hired to help meet the growing demand for mental health services in schools. The retention of these professionals has also improved, with retention rates climbing to as high as 92 percent during certain grant years.

The hiring and retention efforts, supported by resources like the Career and Learning Center, have significantly improved the student-to-SMHP ratio, ensuring that more students have access to essential mental health services and SMHP caseloads are lower. This advancement is a critical step forward as schools work to provide safe and supportive environments for every student.

A Hub for Professional Development and Engagement

The Career and Learning Center has also emerged as an indispensable professional development platform. To date, the website has hosted more than 213 video modules and over 90 hours of professional learning content, resulting in the issuance of more than 6,800 certificates of completion to SMHPs. Ninety-six percent of surveyed users rated the platform as a helpful tool in advancing their careers, while 72 percent credited it with directly helping them secure employment.

Several key initiatives have driven the website’s success, including the introduction of Tele-ECHO sessions that connect interns with mentoring opportunities, the rollout of digital badges for completed training courses, and the creation of a comprehensive school counselor webinar library. Further enhancing its utility, the site’s innovative Credential Hotspot provides valuable tools for certification and licensure, ensuring professionals in high-needs school divisions have the resources they need to thrive.

Pioneering Initiatives for Long-Term Impact

The website’s success is supported by a series of high-impact programs aimed at incorporating excellence and innovation into Virginia’s educational system. Recent projects include the Implementation Science Academy, completed by eight school division leadership teams in 2024, and the SBMH Grant Data Dashboard, which supports more in-depth tracking and analysis of the impact of mental health initiatives.

VDOE has also incorporated a self-study and feedback from SMHPs to refine and expand the platform. A 2023 focus group informed updates to ensure the Career and Learning Center remains user-friendly and aligned with the needs of Virginia’s mental health professionals.

Looking Ahead

The Virginia Department of Education is dedicated to improving access to school mental health services and supporting the professionals who make this possible. The success of the Career and Learning Center stands as a testament to the state’s commitment to addressing mental health challenges in schools through innovative, data-driven approaches that reach SMHPs where they are.

“The remarkable outcomes achieved so far inspire us to continue building on this momentum,” said Kristine Stone, School Mental Health Grant Manager. “We are dedicated to moving forward with initiatives that empower school mental health professionals and create positive, lasting impacts on the lives of Virginia’s students.”

About the Virginia Department of Education

The vision of the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is that Virginia will maximize the potential of all learners by fostering an educational environment that supports academic excellence and continuous growth.

Through collaborative partnerships with educators, families, and community leaders, and guided by forward-thinking initiatives, the VDOE’s mission is to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed in life.

By promoting high standards, personalized learning, and access to quality resources, the VDOE is committed to preparing all students for success in school, the workforce, and as engaged citizens.

About the Center for Implementation and Evaluation of Education Systems

The Center for Implementation and Evaluation of Education Systems (CIEES) at Old Dominion University is dedicated to improving outcomes for students, particularly those with disabilities or behavioral challenges, who often face barriers in traditional educational settings. CIEES uses an evidence-based, problem-solving approach to promote systems-level change, partnering with state and local education agencies to create more equitable, inclusive learning environments.