California Community Colleges Health & Wellness Prioritizing the Mental Health of Our Students

Today’s college students are juggling more responsibilities than ever before. As they transition from high school to college, the workforce, and adulthood, they’re faced with coursework, financial stress, competing deadlines inside and outside of the classroom, and for some, caregiving responsibilities or living on their own for the first time. Adult learners face even more unique stressors that come with going back to school while balancing work and, for some, raising a family.

All of these factors often lead to our students experiencing high stress levels, depression, anxiety, and other mental and physical health challenges – in fact, recent studies show that more than 65% of college students reported feeling overwhelming anxiety in the last year.

Aiming to lower these statistics, the California Community Colleges is committed to supporting the mental health of its students. In the latest 20 Stories of Impact, learn how the system works in partnership with the Foundation’s Equity team to provide resources and programs that reduce stigma and help them manage these stressors in order to focus on their educational goals.