In an era where the mental well-being of our students has never been more critical, the SCALE UP (School Counseling Access, Leadership, and Equity: Upgrading the Pipeline) initiative is making transformative strides to address these pressing needs. Dr. Carrie Wachter Morris, faculty member in the Department of Counseling and Educational Development, received funding by the U.S. Department of Education through the Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant Program, SCALE UP is committed to fostering innovative partnerships that equip school-based mental health service providers to thrive in high-need schools. This program not only addresses workforce shortages but also champions diversity and excellence in mental health services.
At its core, SCALE UP aims to enhance the availability of high-quality, trained mental health professionals in schools, especially those serving high-need local educational agencies (LEAs). By creating pathways for postsecondary education graduate students to gain hands-on experience in these critical environments, we’re tackling the stark realities many of our local school districts face. High ratios of students to counselors, coupled with the significant mental health challenges exacerbated by recent events like the COVID-19 pandemic, highlight the urgent need for support. Each intern placed in these schools acts as an additional half-time counselor, providing essential resources and support to students and families.
Since its launch in August 2023, SCALE UP has already made remarkable strides. We’ve introduced an innovative undergraduate class on Mental Health Literacy, laying the groundwork for a new minor in Mental Health Literacy and Wellness. Our first cohort has graduated, and two more have begun their journeys, with successful placements in partner districts. This is just the beginning! Beyond classroom learning, our students are gaining invaluable insights and skills through professional development programs and hands-on experiences.
Unexpected opportunities have further enriched our program, including specialized training for site supervisors and the removal of barriers such as childcare and financial constraints. We’ve also equipped interns with essential internship kits filled with books, play therapy resources, and materials to support their practice, ensuring they are job-ready upon graduation. Additionally, our students are networking and growing professionally at regional and national conferences, expanding their understanding of the field.
Gregoria Arreola-Meza, one of our dedicated interns, shared her enthusiasm: “I have personally been most grateful for the opportunities in our program to expand our learning, networking, and resources past our classrooms. Conferences have granted us the gift of filling in these gaps, sharing our knowledge with peers and professors, but most of all, we feel we are taking full advantage of obtaining the most up-to-date research as we prepare for our careers.”
Looking ahead, we are committed to exploring new avenues to bolster support for high-need communities. This includes expanding our curriculum to better prepare all of our Counseling Education students to work effectively with K-12 schools, students, and families, ultimately enhancing the mental health and well-being of our youth.
As we embark on this journey together, we invite you to stay engaged, share your insights, and be part of this vital movement to empower the next generation of mental health professionals. Together, we can reshape the future of mental health services in our schools, ensuring every student has access to the support they need to thrive. Let’s SCALE UP our efforts!
