The Georgia Department of Education today announced another brand-new state resource to support military families in Georgia. GaDOE is expanding the Mental Health Awareness Training (MHAT) project – which provides mental health training at no cost to educators throughout the state – to include four new courses specific to supporting the wellbeing of military-connected students.

The courses will be made available through a partnership with the national Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC), and will provide high-quality professional learning at no cost to schools and districts throughout the state. Georgia is the third state education agency in the nation to partner with MCEC to offer these courses.

"As the son of a 30-year veteran, I understand all too well the unique challenges military-connected students and families face," State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. "Through these courses, educators will be able to better support students whose families sacrifice so much to protect our nation. I appreciate our Office of Whole Child Supports for their work to make these courses a reality along with the Military Child Education Coalition for their partnership. Taking care of our military families will always be a top priority for our agency."

Beginning in July 2026, schools, districts, and Regional Educational Service Agencies (RESAs) will be able to request the following new courses:

• Practical Approaches to Supporting Military-Connected Students' Wellbeing
• Supporting Military-Connected Students During Deployments
• When Military Service Ends: Supporting the Children of Veterans
• Responding to Military Children with Exceptional Needs

Georgia serves an estimated 135,000 military-connected students through the state's K-12 public education system. Georgia houses the fifth-largest military population in the nation, with heavy concentrations for school systems near major installations like Fort Gordon, Fort Stewart, Hunter Army Airfield, Fort Benning, Robins AFB, Moody AFB, and Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay.

All school districts – not just those near active-duty bases – are encouraged to take advantage of the courses. Military-connected students also include those connected to veterans who are no longer on active duty, as well as those serving in the National Guard and Reserves.

GaDOE also recognizes schools that go above and beyond to provide a supportive environment for military students and their families with the Military Flagship School Award, and employs a full-time Military Student and Family Specialist to connect military families with resources and supports.