August 17, 2002
 

Friends,

Going back to school is a time of excitement and stress for young people of color and their families. Students are preparing for new schools, relationships, and expectations. Some are grappling with changes in their school environment or are heading to college for the first time. For some of us, the pressures, opportunities, and stressors can trigger depression, anxiety, and other mental health and wellness challenges. 

While students face common challenges regardless of background, students of color are more likely to encounter additional burdens and barriers that must be managed and overcome. Students of color have been more impacted by COVID-19, financial stressors, violence, and discrimination than their fellow students. Often, students of color feel they don’t belong or aren’t measuring up at school. And today’s news cycle offers one threat to wellbeing after another that disproportionately impacts our communities — from threats to voting and reproductive rights to police brutality, extreme heat, and public health concerns like Monkeypox.

The Steve Fund has put together a 2022 Back to School Toolkit to help students of color and their families and educators find information, resources, and events to help tackle societal stressors and maintain mental wellbeing. The social media posts, resource sheets, and calendar of events contained in our Toolbox provide practical ways to navigate mental health and wellness, such as:

• Tapping into the joys and grounding of culture and traditions
• Being intentional about preparing to go back to school
• Asking schools about resources that support mental health and well-being
• Developing a mindset of growth, self-determination, and a positive future
• Keeping in touch with family or other caring adults
• Choosing supportive friends and mentors 
• Staying laser-focused on goals and forward progress

As we all start school or college this fall, we want you to know that you are not alone. You are worthy of love, respect, and opportunity. Borrowing from the powerful metaphors of the Langston Hughes poem, Mother to Son, remember that, even though life isn’t a crystal stair, keep climbing, reaching landings, and turning corners into a positive future.

We are here to help.
 

Tia Dole, Ph.D.

Executive Director

The Steve Fund