The Orange County Department of Education's (OCDE) Mental Health and Wellness unit has been recognized with the Golden Bell Award by the California School Boards Association (CSBA) for its efforts in implementing WellSpaces in schools across Orange County. This award spotlights school programs that employ data-driven approaches to enhance student success and well-being.
The Orange County WellSpace Initiative, led by OCDE, is a collaborative program aimed at providing mental health support to students. It is supported by several agencies, including the Orange County Health Care Agency, CalOptima Managed Care Plan, and founding partner Rady Children’s Health of Orange County. The initiative has established 80 WellSpaces, serving nearly 90,000 students throughout the county. An additional 80 schools are currently on a waitlist to implement the program on their campuses.
Each WellSpace is designed to offer students a safe and supportive environment where they can process their emotions without judgment. These spaces also equip school staff with evidence-based strategies to guide students effectively. Activities within WellSpaces include gratitude practices, mindful breathing exercises, journaling, nature-based art projects, and mindful movement.
Beyond offering a place for students to unwind, the initiative aims to reduce the stigma associated with mental health challenges. It also seeks to provide students with practical tools to support their emotional well-being as they navigate daily life.
Mayu Iwatani, OCDE's senior administrator for the Mental Health and Awareness division, stated that the award “honors our team’s shared commitment to creating spaces where students feel welcomed, where their emotions and challenges are met without judgment, and where they can build the self-awareness and coping skills to navigate life’s challenges.” Iwatani further expressed pride in the team's dedication to helping students thrive academically and grow as compassionate young people.
Orange County Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean also commented on the program's impact, noting that “Our WellSpaces give students a welcoming place to pause, reset and develop healthy ways to manage stress so they can return to class ready to learn.” Dr. Bean highlighted the Golden Bell Award as a recognition of the efforts by the OCDE team and its school partners.
As concerns about youth mental health continue, the WellSpace model is designed to be both replicable and adaptable. This allows schools to tailor the approach to meet the specific needs of their diverse student populations within Orange County, ensuring accessible support.
The CSBA Golden Bell Awards, now in their 47th year, aim to highlight exemplary work by school districts across California. The initiative shares information about effective educational strategies. Winners from all 21 categories will be recognized at a reception and ceremony, with the date and location to be announced at a later time.
