The recently launched program is centered on prayer and spiritual care and is provided by accredited school chaplains. These individuals offer a safe space for students to discuss their personal, emotional, and religious struggles.
For more information visit https://nationalschoolchaplainassociation.org
The National School Chaplain Association’s (NSCA) new program coincides with the CDC’s report on the rise of teenage depression. According to the report, one out of three teenagers has had feelings of depression, worthlessness, and self-doubt. The rates of suicidal ideation in high school students have also gone up to 20% from 9% in a previous report. The NSCA believes that this epidemic of mental health issues must be stopped, and one of the ways is by building a strong spiritual foundation and having a reliable counselor who will listen and guide the students through their struggles.
NSCA’s chaplains primarily provide spiritual guidance, emphasizing prayer and the scripture. The association explains, however, that they do not provide guidance for Christians alone but for all denominations. They strive to create a sense of inclusivity without imposing on the students any sort of religious belief, which may or may not align with their values at home.
Students can come to the NSCA’s chaplains and talk to them about anything weighing them down. It can be academic problems or struggles with their family and personal life, or even bullying, whether online or in real life. The chaplains are trained to provide honesty and empathy to guide them through their issues.
The NSCA is currently serving 23 countries and over 22,000 schools. They have helped more than 20 million students since the association was founded. Teaming up with NSCA, schools have not only reported a decrease in mental health issues in their students, but they also have higher graduation rates, more students who perform better academically, and fewer students who disrespect authority and require disciplinary action. Learn more at https://nationalschoolchaplainassociation.org/schools
After graduation, students from schools with NSCA chaplains have higher success rates. They are more likely to graduate college, find good jobs, and are less likely to consume alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes. Teen pregnancies also drop by 80%.
“We display Christ in what we say and do. We meet people where they are, no matter the circumstance, to show compassion and love just as Jesus would,” a spokesperson said.
More information is available at https://nationalschoolchaplainassociation.org/chaplains
national School Chaplain Association
rmalloy@missiongeneration.org
+1-405-831-3299
PO Box 720746
United States
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