Act 72 Recovery High Schools Grant Program

Recovery High Schools Operational Grant Program

Program Description

This grant program provides funding for the operation of recovery high schools. A recovery high school is defined as a public, private, or tribal school that operates only high school grades and meets all of the following criteria: (a) the school is specifically designed for pupils in recovery from a substance use disorder or a mental health disorder that coexists with a substance use disorder; and (b) the school awards high school credits that either count towards a high school diploma awarded by the school or will transfer and count towards a high school diploma awarded by a school district.

On December 7, 2023, 2023 SB 267 was signed into law as 2023 Act 72 (Act 72). This legislation provided funding for two different grant programs:

• Recovery High Schools Operational Grant Program (application closed).
• FY 25 Recovery High Schools Planning ("Start-up”) Grant Program (information forthcoming).

Eligible Applicants

The school satisfies all of the following:

• (a) the school is governed by a governing board;
• (b) the school employs an individual who is responsible for the daily operations of the school;
• (c) the school demonstrates that its model is capable of supporting its anticipated enrollment;
• (d) the school is a nonprofit organization, if it is a private school;
• (e) the school provides evidence that it has at least one other source of funding to support its operations;
• (f) the school provides evidence-based programming to pupils, including evidence-based peer-to-peer suicide prevention programming, smaller class sizes, and self-care planning; and
• (g) the school requires prospective pupils to apply to the school and conditions eligibility for enrollment on all of the following:
  • (1) that the pupil desires to be sober;
  • (2) that the pupil commits to attend the school daily;
  • (3) that the pupil consents to weekly drug testing;
  • (4) that the pupil agrees to a 30-day probationary period and that the pupil’s enrollment may be terminated at the end of the probationary period for any of the following reasons
    • (a) the pupil tests positive for a controlled substance on a drug test administered at the end of the probationary period; or
    • (b) the individual responsible for the daily operations of the school determines that the pupil’s enrollment should be terminated based on the pupil’s behavior at the school during the probationary period.

Authority

This grant is authorized under Wisconsin State Statute 13.101, related to 2023 Act 72.

Project Period

The project period covered by this application is July 1, 2023- June 30, 2025

Awards and Budget

Applicants must submit a proposal and itemized budget in a grant amount up to $200,000 annually for two years. The budget form is included as part of the application.

Application Process

The application closed on June 10, 2024. 

• Recovery High Schools Operational Grant Program Guidance

Questions?

To schedule a consultation, eligible recovery high schools can e-mail: emily.holder@dpi.wi.gov