"Nationwide stats show that we only really reach 15% of our student population."
District leader Brenda Pena, at Chelsea Public Schools, MA, understood the challenge: traditional counseling models alone can’t meet the mental health needs of every student — and it's not just because of staffing shortages.
"We can't assume every student will advocate for themselves — that's why tools like Alongside are critical".
Their team in Chelsea sought a personalized solution at scale that could reach all students, without overburdening their staff.
By integrating Alongside into their Tier 1 mental health supports, the district created a new access point for students to build coping skills, talk through challenges, and get emotional support when they need it most.
"Chatbots and AI really can provide instant feedback and support to all students and to teachers."
Alongside’s multilingual support, available in over 60 languages, also made a difference. “It contributes to a more inclusive and supportive environment where language translation is essential,” Brenda Pena noted.
What truly sets Alongside apart, she emphasized, is its focus on skill-building and early intervention. “It helps foster a sense of engagement and motivation,” said Brenda Pena. “It doesn’t just address problems; it builds skills that prevent problems in the first place.”
For districts seeking scalable, evidence-informed tools to support student mental health, Chelsea Public Schools’ approach shows what’s possible when innovation meets need.
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