In its second year of the program, JED and District 79 will draw on initial data to create actionable plans to promote emotional wellness and reduce recidivism for students on Superintendent’s Suspensions.
[September 16, 2025, New York City] – District 79 Alternative Schools and Programs, part of the New York City Public Schools (NYCPS), with the New York City Office of School Health (OSH) and The Jed Foundation (JED), a leading nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for teens and young adults nationwide, shared an update about their three-year partnership to bolster student well-being and foster thriving school communities at District 79’s Alternate Learning Centers (ALCs). The partnership, which began in the fall of 2024, addresses a critical need: Students in alternative schools frequently face high rates of mental health challenges, but are unable to access needed services including therapeutic care.
ALCs serve middle and high school students on Superintendent’s Suspension across all five boroughs within NYC, offering both instructional and counseling programs tailored to meet their unique needs.
“We are delighted to partner with The Jed Foundation and the Office of School Health to implement innovative strategies that will lead to improved social-emotional wellness and increased academic achievement for all ALC students,” said Keri-Ann Ket-Ying, School Social Worker at District 79 School Counseling Support.
This collaboration will enhance our ability to support students during their time at the ALC and ensure a smooth re-entry process through close coordination with their home schools. Together, we aim to build a stronger foundation for students academically, emotionally, and socially.”
Some 20% of high school students reported seriously considering attempting suicide in the past year. JED’s original research, Unraveling the Stigma: Exploring Attitudes and Barriers to Mental Health Support Among U.S. Teens, found that although teens are aware of the importance of mental health and seeking support, they still struggle to reach out for help. Asian, Latine, Black, and LGBTQIA+ youth describe specific barriers to reaching out for help, which vary between groups.
In a bold step toward mental health equity, the Office of School Health’s School Mental Health (SMH) program has partnered with JED and District 79 to launch a comprehensive initiative that brings direct, high-impact resources to students in Alternate Learning Centers (ALCs).“At the Office of School Health, we recognize that mental health is foundational to academic success,” said Gail Adman, Assistant Commissioner of the Office of School Health. “This collaboration with SMH and JED delivers targeted tools and meaningful support to students in the ALCs — ensuring no young person is left behind when it comes to their emotional well-being.”
JED is currently implementing its JED High School program at the ALCs, providing expert insights, technical assistance, data-informed action plans, and best practices to support student mental health and well-being. A multidisciplinary team from JED, including a School Mental Health Specialist and clinical experts, is guiding District 79 leaders through this three-year initiative. Activities include assessing student mental health needs and existing resources, identifying gaps, and developing actionable plans for sustainable support.
Recognizing the unique needs of the ALCs, JED has created tailored assessment tools and established a cross-borough, interdisciplinary committee structure to advance this work. Drawing on data collected during the spring, JED will deliver a comprehensive strategic plan outlining recommended strategic action items to be implemented over the next several years. Additional support will include customized trainings tailored to alternative school environments, and co-hosted strategic planning convenings designed to address the distinct challenges faced by ALCs.
“We are incredibly proud to partner with District 79 and New York City Public Schools to bring essential mental health support to students in Alternate Learning Centers,” said Dr. Tony Walker, Senior Vice President of School Programs and Consulting at JED. “These young people, often facing unique challenges, should have access to resources that foster their holistic well-being. This initiative is about protecting and prioritizing all students so they can thrive and achieve a healthier, more hopeful future.”
This initiative is funded through the generous support of Gotham Gives, The Gray Foundation,
Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), KPMG Foundation, Inc., and Abercrombie & Fitch Co./Hollister.
If your school or a school in your community is interested in partnering with JED, fill out our interest form.
District 79 is a citywide district in New York City, offering 10 unique programs that serve over 50,000 students annually. It boasts the largest High School Equivalency (HSE) prep program in New York State, with over 3,000 graduates each year. The district’s diverse student body represents more than 190 countries, and its programs operate in approximately 350 sites across the city. Many students in District 79 were previously disconnected from school, with nearly 80% qualifying for Human Resources Administration (HRA) benefits and over 10% living in temporary housing. Programs are designed to improve both social-emotional and academic outcomes, adhering to federal policies and state regulations.
District 79 helps students achieve their educational and career goals by:
For more information, please visit www.d79.nyc or email District79@schools.nyc.gov
About The Jed Foundation (JED)
JED is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults. We’re partnering with high schools, colleges, and school districts to strengthen their mental health, substance misuse, and suicide prevention programs and systems. We’re equipping teens and young adults with the skills and knowledge to help themselves and each other. We’re encouraging community awareness, understanding, and action for young adult mental health.
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Media Contact
Justin Barbo
Director of Public Relations
The Jed Foundation
(914) 844-4611
justin@jedfoundation.org
Stacey OligerDirector of CommunicationsDistrict 79 Alternative Schools and Programssoliger@schools.nyc.gov
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