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In brief
Free counseling services and innovative preschool education are both expanding following a three-year, $2.6 million grant to the University of Mississippi (UMiss).
The University’s Clinic for Outreach and Personal Enrichment (COPE), where graduate students under licensed supervision provide free counseling, will receive $1.5 million to increase its reach. The clinic plans to expand its online counseling services to more schools and after school programs where access to mental health services is limited.
The Growing Healthy Minds, Bodies and Communities (GHMBC) initiative will receive $1.1 million to help grow the number of classrooms using its interactive curriculum and introduce mentorship for its teachers. Designed to support preschool teachers, students and their families, the curriculum enhances state requirements with lessons in gardening, yoga, nutrition, physical activity and managing emotions, while also giving educators
Why this matters
Children in Mississippi, and everywhere, deserve the opportunity to thrive academically, emotionally, physically and socially. But many families face barriers to accessing the support they need whether due to geography, income or other systemic factors.
These programs directly address those barriers. By expanding free, accessible telehealth counseling and offering a holistic, evidence-based approach to early childhood education, they’re equipping communities to nurture the full potential of every child.
When children have the tools to regulate their emotions and feel emotionally supported, they’re better able to succeed in school and life. Access to mental health support is linked to stronger academic performance, improved classroom behavior and a greater sense of connection among students.
Caregivers participating in GHMBC’s early childhood program report that their children are more open to playing with peers who look different than them and voluntarily practicing mindfulness and coping strategies.
This work helps ensure more children arrive at school ready to learn and grow.
The opportunity
Communities across the country face similar needs and can look to Mississippi for inspiration.
- Explore partnerships with local universities or counseling programs to bring low- or no-cost mental health services to youth and educators in your area. Programs like COPE offer a model where similar programs don’t already exist.
- Watch for Growing Healthy Minds, Bodies and Communities to expand its online training and mentorship for early childhood educators nationwide. For early childhood educators and administrators, this may be a timely opportunity to engage.
- Advocate for funding and policy shifts that prioritize early education, family engagement and equitable access to mental health care.
When systems are designed to support children’s aspirations and strengths, whole communities benefit.
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