Walk of life

Currently, JED works with over 370 colleges and universities, representing just under 5 million students. A JED resource is also used by over 9,500 high schools, colleges, and universities to improve their mental health curriculum.

Additionally, they have also been involved in every state in America, with more than two million families using their high school program. JED is split into two categories, JED Campus and JED High School, which includes multiple platforms and programs to give accessibility to students.

ing and an internship opportunity. Students in the program are placed in an internship where they are able to gain experience and awareness for an occupation and for the world outside of high school.

those who are battling can be open emotionally.

“JED supports mental health, and that something that we could all get behind. More people struggle with it than some might think,” Gallo said.

JED strengthens educational institutions by working closely with high schools, colleges, and universities that serve millions of students to implement systems, programs, and policies that develop a caring culture. The foundation safeguards students’ mental health, stimulates the development of life skills, and increases the likelihood that struggling students will ask for help, be identified, receive support, and be connected to appropriate care.

The Calhoun Senior Experience program is a unique learning experience that combines English and Social Studies with service learn-

Throughout the year, the Senior Experience students take various field trips and work on special projects that culminate in the preparation and planning for the fashion show. After all of the seniors in the program voted for the JED Foundation as this year’s charity, student representatives visited teachers in department meetings to promote the event and the cause.

Whether Senior Experience is raising money to help brighten the day of sick children or assist at-risk and orphaned children in developing countries, the group comes together every year to help others.

In 2013 the seniors used their charitable efforts to assist Long Beach High School, which was devastated by Superstorm Sandy.

Two years later in 2015, the group donated to Mercy Ships, an organization that sails around the African coast providing health care to children and adults in need.

The kids in the hall: