Top Schools Throughout Oakland County Are Implementing Prepare U Mental Health Curriculum

Mental health is a top priority throughout the country as adolescent suicides have skyrocketed over the past decade. According to a University of Michigan study, nearly two thirds of parents would like to see that mental health is taught in schools at the equivalent of physical health.

Prepare U, the first ever evidence supported experiential mental health curriculum for teenagers was piloted at West Bloomfield High School in 2017 and has since grown to being implemented in 8 states. The team behind Prepare U is proud to see that this one-of-a-kind mental health curriculum is front loading restorative practices while filling teens toolboxes with essential mental health and life skills.

 “This program was designed with an authentic voice and experiences that came from loss and tragedies within our hometown,'' says Beale, Founder and Coauthor of Prepare U. “To see so many teens and families around the country benefit and build healthier lives because of losses that were experienced in our county is a special homage to the individuals and families that have suffered from unplanned life events.”

(See how Prepare U aligns with SEL, HECAT, and State Guidelines by Clicking Here)

Schools that have implemented Prepare U in Oakland County include, International Academy, Bloomfield Hills High School, Bowers Academy, West Bloomfield High School, Novi High School, Waterford Durant, Detroit Country Day School, Hillel Day School, and Mercy High School.

“We are thankful and humbled to know that schools in Oakland County are demonstrating to the rest of the state and country what is possible when we work together for the benefit of our youth,'' says Lauren Yaldoo, Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist and Coauthor of Prepare U.

The program has expanded and has evolved significantly since inception. Prepare U now includes a complete follow along Home Edition for the public and families of participating students. Schools are able to partake in a comprehensive pre-and-post programmatic assessment to help understand how their student population is evolving.

Dr. Ellis Jaruzel, Coauthor and Chief Research Officer states, “The world of today and tomorrow increasingly requires an expanded set of social emotional tools and a greater ability to tolerate challenge, stress, and change. Prepare U is an important means of supporting tomorrow’s citizens and leaders in engaging in positive and meaningful ways with self, other, community, and world.” 

Prepare U has reached well over 100,000 hours of student engagement being delivered by everyday teachers. Emotionally Beale shares, “We are so fortunate to have the opportunity to connect and work with such dedicated individuals that spend their lives everyday working to improve the quality of life for others. They are the reason behind our national expansion. That’s what keeps our fire alive.”