May is widely recognized as Mental Health Awareness month, and prioritizing mental health is essential to the success of Michigan students as they transition into postsecondary education and beyond. A recent report from Gallup and the Lumina Foundation found that across all students surveyed, one in five (22 percent) have considered dropping out due to mental health challenges or emotional stress, and female students cite this reason at nearly twice the percentage (28 percent) as their male counterparts (15 percent). MCAN has compiled several resources and articles to help support Michiganders in May — and year-round.
- The National College Attainment Network is halfway through its 18-month grant project, Supporting the Whole Student Through Mental Health and Wellbeing. NCAN has shared six impactful guiding points to creating environments where students can thrive mentally and academically.
- The Youth Mental Health Corps program is set to roll out in Michigan in September. The program offers several career pathways and certifications, allowing members to make a positive impact on Michigan youth and gain experience in mental health support.
- A look into how this school district in California utilizes monitoring technology on school devices to identify potential warning signs — without students even having to make a search.
- View the CDC’s Division of Adolescent and School Health (DASH) action guide for promoting mental health and wellbeing in schools
Graphs from CDC Adolescent and School Health
Supporting mental health initiatives is a key component of ensuring every student has the means to achieve their educational goals. Our mission at MCAN is to increase college readiness, participation, and completion in Michigan, particularly among low-income students, first-generation college-going students, and students of color. Promoting equity in Michigan through college access means providing the necessary support to at-risk students so that they can persist through postsecondary education and attain their educational and career goals.
MCAN recognizes May as Mental Health Awareness month. We've compiled several resources and articles to help support Michiganders in May — and year-round.