CHEYENNE, WYO – Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming (BCBSWY) Caring Foundation is pleased to announce nearly $25,000 in grant awards to schools across Wyoming to support social and emotional learning programs.
Social and emotional learning helps individuals develop traits such as problem-solving, teamwork, character, and grit. It also allows schools to create a learning environment that offers social and emotional support to kids, building a culture of responsive, restorative practices that help students learn to thrive—in life and at school.
Youth mental health is a critical issue in Wyoming, and BCBSWY Caring Foundation aims to help Wyoming youth develop positive coping strategies and resilience, knowing early intervention is key.
Recipients include Arp, Davis, and Prairie Wind Elementary schools in Cheyenne, Laramie Montessori Charter School, Big Horn Elementary, Child Development Services of Fremont County, and Fremont County School District #21.
“Davis is thrilled and grateful to receive the Social Emotional Learning grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming Caring Foundation! Schools are in the business of preparing children for life. If you ask employers what they want from the future workforce, they say they need people who can collaborate with those who are different from them, who can use their strengths to solve problems, manage stress, and have self-awareness. Davis is excited to continue to help our students make this possible.” said Sara Pedersen, SEL/Behavior Interventionist Teacher at Davis Elementary School in Cheyenne.
“The SEL grant at Davis will go towards training the entire staff on executive functioning skills using engaging structures that encourage students to be cooperative and interactive. Davis is looking forward to our training and continuing to incorporate SEL with our students,” Pedersen said.
“Mental health is just as imperative as physical health and a predictor for overall quality of life. We are pleased to be able to offer this opportunity to classrooms, schools, and school districts across Wyoming,” said Diane Gore, president and CEO at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming.
About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming (BCBSWY) is a not-for-profit health insurer and an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Rooted in Wyoming for 75 years, BCBSWY provides access to high quality health care coverage, services and programs to help our members make the best health care decisions and get the best care. With 10 locations across Wyoming, we provide hometown service to residents and businesses while serving people and charitable organizations in communities around the state. Learn more about us at BCBSWY.com.
About Blue Cross Blue Shield Caring Foundation of Wyoming
As a caring community, BCBSWY has been involved in promoting the good health and well-being of Wyoming residents by participating in and contributing to many health-related charities and causes. In 1990, BCBSWY established the Caring Foundation of Wyoming to help sustain this mission. The Caring Foundation of Wyoming now focuses its support through charitable giving. For more information, visit BCBSWY.com/company_info/foundation.