The National College Attainment Network (NCAN) is excited to announce the launch of our "Supporting the Whole Student Through Mental Health and Wellbeing" initiative. This project, in partnership
with the ECMC Foundation and The Jed Foundation, aims to equip individuals and organizations working with young people with the
tools and strategies necessary to support their students' mental health effectively.
This initiative provided grants to six member organizations, each receiving $30,000 over two years to enhance their capacity to address student mental health needs. With The JED Foundation, these organizations conducted in-depth needs assessments to identify
existing gaps in mental health resources and better understand the specific challenges faced by their students. The findings from these assessments informed tailored action plans to implement effective and sustainable mental health support strategies.
NCAN has created a new resources page, which includes grantee profiles and blog posts, to assist organizations in implementing best practices for student mental health and wellness. These
resources can be accessed to NCAN members and non-members alike at no cost.
Insights and Outcomes
Through this initiative, NCAN has identified six key insights to guide organizations in fostering environments conducive to student mental health and academic success:
Holistic Support: Addressing both academic and non-academic factors is essential in supporting the whole student.
Cultural Competence: Implementing culturally relevant programs ensures that mental health services resonate with diverse student populations.
Proactive Engagement: Early identification and intervention can prevent the escalation of mental health issues.
Community Partnerships: Collaborations with external mental health organizations can enhance the scope and quality of support services.
Staff Training: Equipping staff with the knowledge and skills to recognize and respond to mental health concerns is crucial.
Sustainable Practices: Developing long-term strategies ensures the continuity and effectiveness of mental health support.
These insights serve as a roadmap for organizations striving to create supportive environments where students can thrive both academically and personally.
For more information on this initiative, click here.
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