URL: https://bwsmithconsulting.com/case-studies/wethersfield-public-schools/
Updated: 2026-11-09

Case study

# How Wethersfield Public Schools used survey data to win competitive grants

How Wethersfield Public Schools used Youth Voices Count Survey results to show trends in student risk behavior and secure more than $500,000 in competitive grants.

By [Keri Humphries](https://bwsmithconsulting.com/about/#keri-humphries), MA Reviewed by [Bonnie W. Smith](https://bwsmithconsulting.com/about/#bonnie-smith), MPH, CPH, CPP Updated November 9, 2026

In short

Wethersfield Public Schools applied for two competitive grants, one for student mental health support and one for students hit hardest by the pandemic. Youth Voices Count Survey results gave the district clear local trends in student risk behavior, and the district credits that data with helping secure more than $500,000 in grant funding.

$500K+ in competitive grant funding

2 grant applications supported by the data

## The challenge

Wethersfield Public Schools wanted to apply for two competitive grants: one to increase mental health support for students and one to support students who had been hit hardest by the pandemic. Strong applications needed local evidence, not state or national averages.

## What we did

The district used the Youth Voices Count Survey with its students. We delivered reports that summarized key findings and trends in a form the district could drop straight into its applications, and we worked with the district from planning through the presentation of results.

## The result

The Youth Voices Count Survey data allowed us to clearly articulate the trends we have seen in increased risky behavior of our students. We believe that this quantitative data was instrumental in securing over $500,000 in competitive grant funds for our schools.

Sally Dastoli, Assistant Superintendent of Schools for Curriculum and Instruction, Wethersfield Public Schools

## What other districts can take from it

Local survey data does double duty. It guides your own planning, and it gives grant reviewers the specific, recent evidence they look for. [See how Youth Voices Count works](https://bwsmithconsulting.com/youth-voices-count/).

Want local youth data for your community?

The Youth Voices Count Survey gives your town or district its own results for grades 6 to 12, with reports your board and coalition can use.

[Explore Youth Voices Count](https://bwsmithconsulting.com/youth-voices-count/)

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- [Who we serve Evaluation and youth surveys for prevention coalitions Youth surveys, core measures, evaluation plans and grant support for prevention coalitions, including Drug Free Communities and SPF grantees. Read](https://bwsmithconsulting.com/who-we-serve/prevention-coalitions/)
- [News Adults think substances are easier for youth to get than youth say they are In one community, adults thought substances were far easier for youth to get than students reported. A free guide helps you plan your own adult survey. Read](https://bwsmithconsulting.com/currentwork/adult-community-survey-guide/)
- [Free template Free logic model template A free, printable one page logic model template for grant applications and evaluation plans, with a worked example row and instructions for filling it in. Read](https://bwsmithconsulting.com/templates/logic-model-template/)
- [News How New Britain turned youth survey results into a public service announcement New Britain Youth Prevention used its Youth Voices Count Survey results on youth access to substances to create a short, data focused public service announcement. Read](https://bwsmithconsulting.com/currentwork/new-britain-youth-survey-psa/)
- [Guide How to build a logic model for a grant A step by step guide to building a logic model for a grant application or evaluation plan, with an example from a youth prevention program and common mistakes. Read](https://bwsmithconsulting.com/guides/how-to-build-a-logic-model/)

Want local youth data for your community?

The Youth Voices Count Survey gives your town or district its own results for grades 6 to 12, with reports your board and coalition can use.

[Explore Youth Voices Count](https://bwsmithconsulting.com/youth-voices-count/)[Schedule a survey meeting](https://www.research.net/r/YVCSURVEYMEETING)