Strong Minds,
Bright Futures:
A Partnership for
Child Mental Wellbeing
A growing statewide coalition committed to building a stronger future for Pennsylvania’s children. Launched in response to deep concerns raised by families, educators, health professionals, and youth during The Big Thing—a multi-year, community-driven research initiative, led by Children First, the Partnership is transforming how we support children’s mental health in our schools, communities, and care systems.
Across the Commonwealth, children and families are facing growing mental health challenges—but far too often, the systems meant to support them respond too late or not at all. Guided by five essential reforms, the Partnership is working across sectors to remove barriers to care, expand access to early intervention, and ensure that every child can thrive close to home.With Medicaid policies, local collaboration, and a commitment to prevention, Strong Minds, Bright Futures is building a system that works—for families, providers, and the future of Pennsylvania.
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Good news for Pennsylvania students. But our work isn't finished.
Results from the 2025 Pennsylvania Youth Survey show encouraging progress: 76% of participating students reported good mental health, up from 71% in 2023. These numbers are similar to what existed before the pandemic.
But nearly 1 in 7 students still seriously considered suicide in the past year.
We need to make sure every young person can access support when they need it. Let's build on this progress with prevention, more trained professionals, and clearer pathways to care.
Swipe to explore the findings.
Read more here: www.pa.gov/agencies/pccd/programs-and-services/juvenile-justice-and-delinquency-prevention/pays
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Meet Nidhi Kaja from Chester County!
Nidhi is a member of our Strong Minds, Bright Futures Youth Advocacy Council, bringing her passion for research, health care access, and teen mental health advocacy to our statewide partnership.
Nidhi believes young people deserve to feel comfortable speaking up and knowing their voices matter.
Through the council, Nidhi hopes to help reduce barriers to mental health resources and contribute to meaningful policy change that makes support easier for young people to access.
We're excited to have Nidhi helping shape a better future for youth mental health in Pennsylvania!
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Healthier, more focused schools require more than limiting cellphone use.
Pennsylvania's SB 1014 is headed to Governor Shapiro after passing both chambers, including an overwhelming bipartisan 47–3 vote in the Senate.
We're encouraged to see lawmakers taking student well-being and learning seriously. But reducing digital distractions is only one piece of the puzzle.
Schools also need trained mental health professionals, sustainable funding, and preventive support that students can access before reaching crisis. Let's build on this momentum by ensuring young people have the resources and support they need, when and where they need them.
Read WVIA's coverage: www.wvia.org/news/local/2026-10-22/pa-senate-approves-school-cellphone-ban-sends-bill-to-governor...
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