• Alternative Learning programs have often relied on punitive discipline, including suspension, detention and alternative school stays. While consequences are sometimes necessary, punitive out of school consequences often perpetuate the cycle. Students continue to get in trouble over and over again because their needs are not met.
• Only one mental health coordinator for the entire district
• Students have internalized the message they are a “Bad kid” and aren’t able to recognize their own strengths

Emily Herring is an innovator that was looking to propel student  transformation in her ALC. As the only mental health coordinator in her large district in Alabama, she saw a way for EmpowerU to build support capacity and effectively serve the students of Fairfield city Schools, specifically in the alternative program. 

Now, every student completes EmpowerU during their stay in alternative school as a way to build resilience and a pathway back to their home campus.  They utilize the 6-8 week course for students with a shorter stay, and the full course for those with a longer stay.

EmpowerU helps students realize that things ARE in their control. It provides the learning that students need to make sure they are able to handle things that come there way, and meets their needs to help them grow the skills and the tools they need to return to school

“When we can meet their needs in that way to help them learn what they can control, we are restoring and incorporating them back into our school district in a way where they feel more confident and able to handle the problems that do arise” – Emily Herring

Emily has successfully helped prepare students for the challenges that they’ll face. “The reality is when students return to school there will be things and people that frustrate them -but armed with the skills and tools they need to come back. It changes everything.”

EmpowerU was able to help the Fairfield City Schools teams expand their capacity to serve students in the ALC – helping to restore their confidence and improve their personal and academic success. With over 60 students serve today, the outcomes are compelling.

Students feel so connected to their EmpowerU coaches. Most of these students struggle to see the positive attributes they possess… they have internalized the message they are a “bad” kid. The EmpowerU coaches are a trusted adult in their corner to build them up and encourage them in their growth – which helps students be able to identify their own strengths and build an inner confidence.

Students reference the strategies they learn in EmpowerU to help them navigate back to a place of calm when they feel frustrated. These skills have helped students transition back into their home school within the district with the confidence to face difficult situations and overcome obstacles as they arise.