Youth Guidance
Youth Guidance Expands Educator-Led Circles to Support Students and Strengthen School Communities
A recent Middle School Youth Risk Behavior Survey found that more than 1 in 3 Florida middle school students reported feelings of sadness or hopelessness. In another survey, youth reported one or more adverse childhood experiences, which are often linked to anxiety, depression, and emotional or behavioral dysregulation.
A grant from All Points North Foundation will support expanding Youth Guidance’s EVOLVE program within HCPS in Tampa by training teachers and staff to create a supportive school environment across six new middle school campuses for students facing unique challenges that require targeted support. The success of the program already implemented in 10 Hillsborough middle schools, where 20 facilitators serve 200 students, demonstrates the power of an educator-led resiliency education approach that supports students’ academic and personal well-being.
Buoyed by Youth Guidance’s 100 years of experience transforming the lives of youth across the country, EVOLVE was launched in 2023 to address limits to expanding other student support programs through a limited pipeline of qualified counselors. Twelve teachers and staff will receive training and resources to become Circle facilitators. Certified facilitators will deliver curriculum-based Circles (group sessions) throughout the school year that nurture belonging, life skills, and increased school engagement among students struggling to thrive in school and life. Research-based frameworks, professional development and structured curriculum with Circles, as well as educator support, will fuel EVOLVE’s scalability and sustainability for fostering healing-centered school environments.
In evaluations from participants of previous programs, facilitators reported confidence and preparedness in running Circles, showed significant growth in instructional practices in cooperative learning, and increased self-awareness and other key life skills. Students reported strong relationships with facilitators, increased sense of belonging and support, and opportunities for self-expression and connections. Evaluations also showed student engagement and resiliency scores rose after participating in EVOLVE.
This investment not only provides a lifeline to students struggling to find their footing but also to educators. EVOLVE’s model helps educators feel valued, supported, and equipped to thrive during a time of burnout, stressful workloads, and a lack of mental health resources.
For more information: www.youth-guidance.org
Photo credit: Photos 1-2: Youth Guidance; Photos 3-4: Grey Matter Photography LLC
All Points North Foundation
All Points North Foundation provides grants for U.S.-based projects and initiatives that support our priorities: improving public middle school education and teacher training, and implementing effective solar programs and/or projects.
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