Gates County Community Partnership is taking a significant step to enhance the mental well-being of high school students in Gates and Hertford counties. A benefactor funded life coaching initiative, aimed at junior and senior students involved in the Saunders Science Scholars and ACTivate Futures academic enrichment programs, will provide essential training in areas such as goal setting, self-awareness, stress management, and resilience throughout the 2024 – 2025 academic year.
Dr. Andrea Hussong, Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and licensed Clinical Psychologist, will lead 90-minute in-person coaching sessions at the Gates County Community Center. Tentatively, these sessions will cover the following topics: Using a Growth Mindset, Identity-Grounded Purpose Seeking, Self-Organization, Ways to Connect, and Staying Healthy on Your Own. The program is designed not only to benefit participants but to also have a ripple effect throughout the community.
Benjamin C. Saunders, Jr., President of Gates County Community Partnership, emphasized the program’s goals: “As participants in the Saunders Science Scholars and ACTivate Futures programs prepare for college, we want them to realize their potential and their purpose to positively impact their communities. Structured coaching will bolster their mental health and enhance their capabilities.”
Research supports the integration of life coaching, showing significant benefits. An International Coach Federation study found that 80% of individuals who receive coaching report increased self-confidence—a critical asset during high school and beyond. Furthermore, with rising stress levels among teens reported by the American Psychological Association, life coaching offers essential tools for managing stress and building mental fortitude.
Dr. Crystal Harden, Director of Program and Access Initiatives at Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, noted, “Mental health stigma can deter students from seeking help. Life coaching, with its focus on personal development and goal achievement, offers a non-judgmental and empowering space, fostering mental wellness in a culturally sensitive way.”