Scholars Support One Another at Mental Health Town Hall 

Peer-led event connects youth to resources and reduces stigma 

(Washington, DC) — Speaking openly about mental health and wellness can be challenging, especially for young people. However, through a recent DC Public Schools (DCPS) partnership with Mikva Challenge DC, students from across the city came together to reduce stigma and support one another at a mental health town hall. 

Hosted at the Charles Sumner School in Northwest, this event was developed by the Student Voice Council, made up of DCPS high school students who work with Mikva Challenge DC to address issues impacting students citywide.  

Programming reflected DCPS student feedback, which consistently ranks mental health as one of the top issues impacting their well-being. Students heard from mental health professionals before joining smaller groups to discuss how mental health plays a role in their own lives, their friend groups, and their school communities.   

Meklit Habteab, a senior at Benjamin Banneker Academic High School and Student Voice Council leader, emphasized the power of student unity. “Peer support is important because we’re the only ones who can advocate for ourselves,” she said. 

She also pointed to recent progress, noting students advocated for mental health days during School Year 2024–2025—efforts they believe contributed to the addition of wellness days at schools and were met with positive feedback from peers. 

DCPS offers a wide range of mental health and wellness resources. The DCPS School Mental Health (SMH) Team supports more than 250 school-based psychologists and social workers who provide supportive and therapeutic services to students and families. The town hall aimed to ensure students are aware of and can access these supports.  

According to students in attendance, barriers to accessing mental health resources include stigma, lack of awareness, and concerns about confidentiality. These issues were addressed during the town hall, where students learned how to access support and understand their privacy protections. 

“Students knowing their resources is powerful,” said Vonica Monchais, managing director of programs at Mikva Challenge DC. “Many left saying, ‘Now I know what I want to do,’ and feeling proud of stepping up, speaking out, and leading conversations.” 

The event also featured a resource fair connecting students with community organizations and next steps. For junior London Anderson, building community is central to well-being: “It’s always better to have somebody with you rather than solve everything on your own.”