The need is urgent.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted significant gaps in our schools' mental health support systems, making stress, anxiety, and isolation the new normal for many students and educators. This isn't just a temporary issue—it’s a call to rethink how we support mental well-being in our schools.

DPS Parent

“Our kids have experienced trauma. Focusing on their wellbeing is essential as we catch them up academically.”

When students feel connected, they thrive in their learning. When educators are supported, they excel in their teaching.

The WHOLE Schools Movement is built on the invaluable insights and voices of our community. 

In 2022, we launched The WHOLE Schools Movement in response to findings from, “Onward: Lessons and Celebrations of the 2020-2021 School Year.” In partnership with local organizations, Durham Public Schools Foundation (DPSF) and Student U, aimed to capture and understand the experiences of students, families, and educators. 

We identified key needs and challenges that now drive our efforts: enhancing mental health support, increasing equitable opportunities for engagement, and fostering relationships in our schools.

For more details on the Onward project and its findings, click here.

Our kids cannot wait.

  • Only 34% of DPS students responded favorably when asked how connected they feel to an adult at school.

  • In NC, 25% of LGBTQ students have attempted suicide, highlighting the urgent need for supportive school environments.

  • "Young people feel an overwhelming need for mental health support..."

    Durham’s City-County Office on Youth Listening Project

  • Only 36% of DPS students responded favorably when asked how much they matter to others at school.

  • "Students who feel connected to their school are significantly less likely to report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness."

    CDC Report, 2022

Join the Conversation, Learn More:

  • Youth Listening Project

    Young people express a strong need for more accessible mental health support within schools . They find current resources lacking and feel that providers often don't understand their cultural backgrounds.

    READ MORE

  • Village of Wisdom Dream Assessment

    Village of Wisdom empowers Black parents by involving them in research and using their insights to drive change in education. Their community-driven approach ensures that the voices and experiences of local members shape efforts to address inequities in learning environments.

    READ MORE

  • Protecting Youth Mental Health, U.S. Surgeon General

    "The challenges that today’s generation of young people face are unprecedented and uniquely hard to navigate. And the effect these challenges have had on their mental health is devastating."

    READ MORE