Cumberland County Schools Introduces Alongside App: A New Era of Student Mental Health Support
Fayetteville, N.C. – Cumberland County Schools (CCS) is excited to unveil Alongside, a mental health support app tailored for students in grades 6-12. With Alongside, students gain access to Kiwi the Llama, an AI Chatbot developed by doctoral clinicians, providing 24/7 mental health support. Parental permission is required for access.
"We're thrilled to introduce Alongside as a transformative resource that leverages technology to provide immediate access to mental health support," stated Dr. Marvin Connelly, Jr., superintendent of Cumberland County Schools. "This launch represents our commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment where every student can thrive academically, socially and emotionally."
Aligned with the district’s Strategic Priority 3, Exceptional Environment, which focuses on integrating resources, facilities, and staff to maintain a safe, inviting learning environment, Alongside enhances targeted support for middle and high school students.
Alongside is a valuable addition to the district’s robust student support resources, designed to complement traditional methods rather than replace them. "There will always be a need for student support staff, such as counselors, social workers and psychologists – there is no replacement for human connection," emphasized Dr. Natasha Scott, executive director of Student Services. "The Alongside app complements our existing resources and underscores our dedication to providing comprehensive support for our students."
This innovative approach enhances the district's ability to meet students' needs, providing immediate access to mental health resources in a format that aligns with their digital preferences while ensuring they continue to benefit from the expertise and support of trained professionals.
"Alongside was founded to partner with schools to combat the youth mental health crisis — We’re thrilled to be a complementary piece to Cumberland’s staff and ongoing support programs as they lead their district with innovative well-being solutions,” said Jay Goyal, CEO of Alongside.
Key Features and Benefits of Alongside Include:
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Focused Support for Grades 6-12: Tailored to meet the unique social and emotional needs of middle and high school students.
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Parental Involvement and Permission: Requires parental permission, ensuring families are actively engaged in their children's well-being journey.
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Immediate Support: Offers 24/7 support, tailored to the specific challenges faced by older students.
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Accessible and Secure: Accessible across multiple devices, ensuring ease of access and flexibility.
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Expert-Designed AI for Teens: Provides safe, expert-designed support, enhancing students' ability to navigate complex emotional challenges.
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Developmental Tools for Adolescents: Features like journaling and goal-setting foster personal growth and emotional resilience.
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Safe Escalation Protocols: Ensures a safe and effective escalation to professional support in cases of serious concerns, aligning with CCS' commitment to student safety.
For more information about Alongside and to sign up your child, visit www.ccs.k12.nc.us/alongside.
CCS Superintendent Dr. Marvin Connelly, Jr. introduces 'Alongside,' a mental health support app.
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