Let’s actually prepare Philadelphia students for college

As students in the School District of Philadelphia gear up for the next step in their academic journey, ensuring their résumés are stacked with accomplishments and transcripts that reflect the academically rigorous courses they took throughout their time in high school, one thing is often overlooked: the state of their mental well-being.

While taking exams and reading textbooks is undoubtedly important for being successful in college, emotional preparedness is just as essential.

The Office of Postsecondary Readiness for the School District of Philadelphia offers resources to learn more about dual enrollment opportunities, SAT/ACT preparation, and other topics associated with high school academics. Missing, however, are resources focused on mental health for those entering the next step of their lives.

Emotional preparedness is not simply a complementary aspect of academic success, it is a foundation that can significantly influence a student’s trajectory. In a time when mental health issues are so prevalent among American youth that one in five teens suffers from clinical depression, the school district should allocate more resources to support the emotional health of students. Recognizing the urgency of the mental health crisis facing college students, the School District of Philadelphia should reconsider its approach to preparing its students for secondary school.

Feelings of depression can extend beyond the teenage years and into early adulthood. The 2022 National College Health Assessment conducted by the American College Health Association revealed that nearly 77% of the 54,204 undergraduate students who participated reported moderate to severe psychological distress. The main two mental health conditions that these students were diagnosed with were anxiety and depression. Many students who struggle with mental health have considered dropping out.

As a graduate of George Washington Carver High School of Engineering and Science, a magnet school in the School District of Philadelphia, and a current college freshman attending the University of Pennsylvania — which was found to have the most depressed student body in the country — I have felt the effects of not having adequate resources to make me aware of the mental distress associated with college.

Navigating emotional well-being in addition to overwhelmingly difficult classes and a heavy workload has been another obstacle I am grappling with as I fully adjust to college life. Growing up in a low-income family, my single mother did not have the money to provide me with a therapist. I understand that many students in Philadelphia — the most impoverished big city in the country — face similar problems accessing mental health services. In such circumstances, schools can serve as the primary support for students.

Providing Philadelphia students with the tools to support their emotional well-being in their schools may lead to higher college graduation rates, which would benefit not only students but also the city of Philadelphia. Facing a recent population decline, the city would benefit from an educated workforce. This has the potential to stimulate economic growth, attract new businesses, and foster a positive trajectory for the city.

While it is important to recognize that not all high school graduates can attend college, being mentally well benefits the success of individuals regardless of their path in life. When mental health issues are left unaddressed, the problems that arise from this affect the development of positive relationships and skills necessary for success in the workforce.

As I reflect on my own college application experience, I recall the excitement I felt about the prospect of attending college. I wish that hopelessly optimistic girl had the opportunity to have conversations around preparing emotionally for the hardships that are associated with college beyond academics.

I implore people who are in control of decision-making for the School District of Philadelphia to not only draw students’ attention to academics and extracurricular activities but also to nurture their overall mental well-being. Reshaping the narrative around college readiness to include conversations about mental health will foster a generation of students who not only succeed academically but also thrive holistically.

Charity Robbins was born and raised in Philadelphia and is currently a freshman at the University of Pennsylvania planning to major in chemistry.