Students are experiencing social and emotional hurdles that interfere with their ability to learn and engage in their education. We are witnessing a youth mental health crisis that has reached urgent levels as both a public health and public education challenge. We know the antidote is increasing connection and belonging for student learners.

Mental health concerns are particularly acute for communities of color, communities living in poverty, 2SLGBTQAI+ communities, and rural communities. These populations experience mental health concerns at higher rates than their peers who are white, live in households with higher incomes, identify as cisgender or straight, or live in urban or suburban areas. Mental health disparities are associated with a variety of factors, including lack of access to services, racism and discrimination, language or cultural barriers, exposure to violence and trauma, and isolation.

Educators, students, families, and community stakeholders all play a role in building and sustaining environments that equitably support mental health and well-being for staff, students, and their families. This inclusive participation establishes a safety net of responsive interventions for students who need it.

Youth Mental Health in Schools creates a strong foundation for young people’s healthy growth and development. This Caring for Colorado initiative invests in efforts to support public school students’ social, emotional, and mental health. This multi-year initiative reaches 42 school districts across Colorado.

The Colorado Education Initiative (CEI) serves as the implementation partner for Youth Connections. This program focuses on providing technical assistance, resources, and support to educators and schools in communities across Colorado. The goal is to improve the school climate, culture, and student resources to improve students’ sense of well-being and belonging.

An investment of nearly $8 million from Caring for Colorado and $1.7 million from the Colorado Health Access Fund, a fund managed by The Denver Foundation, supports Youth Connections. The 13 school districts participating in Youth Connections work to create safe, supportive school environments for all students.