DOVER — Delaware State University has been awarded a $217,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education primarily in support of two mental health initiatives.

The funding will assist in the establishment of a Mental Health First Aid Education Program and a Campus Mobile Crisis Response Team.

The education program will provide training about mental health, as well as install increased resources on campus to help students impacted by trauma. The response team will utilize university employees skilled in social work and counseling to assist campus police in managing traumatic events and providing a presence at events and in academic environments.

The funding comes from the Department of Education’s School Emergency Response to Violence project, after four historically Black colleges and universities, including Delaware State, were disrupted by bomb threats last year.

Cleon Cauley, the chief operating officer of Delaware State University, said the school is grateful to the Education Department’s unwavering support through the Project SERV grant.

“This grant exemplifies the government’s commitment to promoting educational excellence and ensuring that historically Black colleges and universities thrive,” he said. “With their generous assistance, we are able to enhance the safety and well-being of our campus, address critical needs and ensure a secure learning environment for our students, faculty and staff.”

The work funded by Project SERV will further support the university’s Safe Space Coalition.