Missouri Suicide Prevention Coalition Academy

Coalition Eligibility

Community coalitions throughout the state of Missouri are encouraged to apply - eligible coalitions include suicide prevention coalitions, higher education coalitions, substance use prevention coalitions, or any group with a shared desire to implement suicide prevention efforts. While there are no other specific coalition requirements (e.g., for coalitions to have been in existence for a certain amount of time, maintain a certain size, etc.), the coalition should have the capacity to be fully engaged in the coalition academy. Please review the expectations and time commitment outline below for more details.

Coalitions must attend the in-person Coalition Academy with a team of 3-5 individuals including the person identified as the lead for suicide prevention efforts. It is strongly recommended that the team include at least one individual with authority for implementation decisions. We also suggest considering a diverse group of members for the team (e.g., individuals with various professional backgrounds, someone with lived experience, or from historically under resourced populations). Coalitions will also be expected to have representation at monthly, virtual follow-up meetings through May 2026.

All coalitions wishing to be considered for the 2025 Coalition Academy will submit the application materials by the due date (January 31st, 2025).

Expectations and Time Commitment

Below are the expectations and time commitment for involvement in the 2025 Coalition Academy:

• Completion of the application, including a letter of commitment and coalition interest letter by January 31st, 2025.
• Completion of a readiness assessment and attendance of all team members at an Academy Prep Webinar prior to attending the in-person Coalition Academy.
• Attendance of 3-5 team members at the in-person Coalition Academy event to be held June 2nd and 3rd, 2025 in Columbia, Missouri. Travel/accommodation costs will be covered by project funding.
• Attendance by at least 1 team member at all monthly, virtual Community of Practice (CoP) sessions throughout the next year (August 2025 – May 2026). CoP sessions will last 60 minutes.
• Monitor and report on progress and action steps for suicide prevention efforts throughout the year.
• Expected time commitment per month: Approximately 1-2 hours related to Coalition Academy events, plus time spent integrating evidence-based strategies/tasks/events for suicide prevention into coalition work. There will be a heavier time commitment during:
• March-May for the Academy Prep Webinar and completion of the readiness assessment
• June for the in-person Coalition Academy

Application Instructions

The Suicide Prevention Coalition Academy application consists of:

• A letter of commitment written by the coalition’s senior/executive leader. The senior/executive leader should review and approve the submission and agree to the expectations of participating in the Coalition Academy.

• A coalition interest letter that, in two to four pages, responds to the following:
  • Why the coalition is interested in participating in the Coalition Academy and the goals for participation
  • Why the coalition would be a good fit for the Coalition Academy
  • What challenges (if any) you foresee for the coalition being involved in the Academy
  • What opportunities your coalition is most excited about if chosen to participate in the Coalition Academy
  • Briefly list and describe the members of the team you plan to bring to the Academy and the relevant skills, knowledge, and experience they bring to the table. The lead applicant will receive all correspondence and must be one of the team members.

Click here to complete the Coalition Academy application!

Applications are due by January 31st, 2025.

Nomination Instructions

If you would like to nominate a community coalition to apply for the Coalition Academy, please complete the nomination form. You will need the coalition name and the primary contact information (name and email) for the coalition.

Click here to complete the nomination form!

Nominations are due Janaury 1st, 2025, to allow time for coalitions to complete the application process - applications are due January 31st, 2025.

Timeline for 2025 Cohort 3

• Applications and nominations open September 2024
• Applications due January 31st, 2025
• Notification of selection will occur in February 2025
• Attend Academy Prep Webinar and complete readiness assessment between March-May 2025
• Attend the in-person, 2-day Coalition Academy, June 2nd and 3rd, 2025 in Columbia, MO (travel/accommodation costs will be covered by project funding)
• Apply framework and Academy information to suicide prevention efforts and attend monthly virtual Community of Practice (CoP) sessions from August 2025 through May 2026)
• If desired, access continued support through the ongoing Coalition Academy Community of Practice (June 2026 and beyond)