Advancing Student-Centered Mental Health in Fresno

About This Project

Summary

Fresno, CA is deeply committed to addressing the mental health crisis in its schools. However, with 88% of its students being English language learners, foster youth or living below the federal poverty line, district resources too often don’t reflect the complex lived experiences of its student body. DSS and The Foundation for Fresno Unified Students created a year-long community engagement strategy to center student voices and ensure those facing the greatest need receive services equitably.

Goals & Objectives

In convening a diverse group of students for a new Student Mental Health Council, our goal was to create a safe space for them to share their experiences, spark wider dialogue through an inclusive town hall, and make the case for long-term investment in student-centered mental health priorities.

Results & Impact

The initiative provided a model for youth engagement in other districts and gave the Foundation tools to secure two mental health new grants. Council members continue to amplify their peers' needs through an ongoing design process addressing telehealth, mobile mental health & awareness campaigns.