In Arkansas and across the country, student mental health has been the focus of increased attention on campuses. A recent report from the College Futures Foundation noted colleges and universities are directly affecting how their students feel and fare. Buster Lackey, executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness-Arkansas, said 2022 research showed 60% of college students experienced some type of mental health challenge. .
Legislation has just gone into effect this month in Alabama that should help people who started on the path to their college degree or credential but weren t able to finish. Senate Bill 175 is seen as a way to increase the number of adults who go back to school. It will establish a ReEngage Alabama Grant Program for eligible adult learners. .
Educator training programs in Georgia would not contain diversity, equity and inclusion terms, if the Georgia Professional Standards Commission decides this month to remove them. Groups are voicing concerns about it, both for teachers and students. The changes would affect all educators up to Grade 12, from principals and superintendents, to reading specialists and school counselors. .
An initiative by the Hispanic Access Foundation aims to bridge the gap between land-management agencies and access to employment for Latinos and people of color. The My Access to Network Opportunities project has cultivated partnerships with federal agencies and organizations for professional development and training opportunities for people of color. Nina Marti, manager of the project for the foundation, said there are often many prerequisites to be considered for a federal job. .
Amid recent reports of high stress and loneliness among college students, a Nebraska community college has a program focused on community building and connection. At Northeast Community College in Norfolk, the federally-funded TRIO - College Success Program enrolls about 200 of the roughly 6,500 students seeking a degree. Joshua Becker, director of the school s TRIO program, said it "sets itself above others" with community building, intensive advising and personal success coaching. .