Initiative: Student Wellness Center

Initiative: Student Wellness Center

Initiative: Student Wellness Center

Oceanside High School Wellness Center

Oceanside High School Wellness Center

Oceanside High School Wellness Center

The Wellness Center at Oceanside High School provides students with a safe, supportive space where they can take a break, connect with caring adults, and access essential resources.

Developed through a partnership with Unite North County and Oceanside Unified School District, the center supports the whole student—addressing not only academic needs but also social, emotional, and basic life needs that impact a student’s ability to succeed in school.

Today, the Wellness Center serves as a trusted hub where students can find academic support, food, clothing, and mentorship all in one place.

Total investment in the community! $148,000

The Challenge

The Challenge

Many students arrive at school carrying challenges that extend far beyond the classroom. Food insecurity, family hardship, emotional stress, and conflict with peers can make it difficult for students to focus on learning.

Without a safe place to decompress or seek support, these pressures can lead to disciplinary issues, disengagement from school, and lost learning time.

School leaders recognized the need for a dedicated space where students could step away from daily stress, connect with trusted adults, and access resources that support their overall well-being.

1 in 4

children in San Diego County lives in a household struggling to meet basic needs

1 in 4

children in San Diego County lives in a household struggling to meet basic needs

1 in 4

children in San Diego County lives in a household struggling to meet basic needs

50% +

of youth with mental health conditions do not receive treatment

50% +

of youth with mental health conditions do not receive treatment

50% +

of youth with mental health conditions do not receive treatment

75%

of students at Oceanside High School are considered socioeconomically disadvantaged

75%

of students at Oceanside High School are considered socioeconomically disadvantaged

75%

of students at Oceanside High School are considered socioeconomically disadvantaged

Our Solution

Our Solution

In partnership with the school district, Unite North County helped establish the Oceanside High School Wellness Center—a welcoming space designed to support students’ academic, emotional, and basic needs.

The center provides:
• A quiet environment where students can study or take a break.
• One-on-one support and mediation when conflicts arise.
• Access to food, clothing, and essential supplies.
• Connections to mentors and caring adults who advocate for students.
• Resources that support both students and their families.

The Outcome

The Outcome

The impact of the Wellness Center has been profound for individual students and for the broader school community.

Since opening the center, Oceanside High School has seen a dramatic reduction in suspensions, dropping to single-digit numbers in the most recent school year.

Beyond the data, students report feeling safer, more supported, and more connected to their school community. Many rely on the center for essential resources such as food, clothing, and academic support.

For some students, the center has helped meet immediate family needs during times of hardship. For others, it has provided the encouragement and confidence to participate in milestones like school dances or academic opportunities.

800

Students being served through the Wellness Center

800

Students being served through the Wellness Center

800

Students being served through the Wellness Center

$115,000

Economic impact for Student Wellness Center

$115,000

Economic impact for Student Wellness Center

$115,000

Economic impact for Student Wellness Center

180

Students sponsored to end chronic absenteeism

180

Students sponsored to end chronic absenteeism

180

Students sponsored to end chronic absenteeism

400

Backpacks donated to students

400

Backpacks donated to students

400

Backpacks donated to students

Total investment in the community: $148,000

“Oceanside high school has reduced out of school suspensions by over 180% year over year. The Student Wellness Center is one of the key interventions in lowering this rate.”

Jordy Sparks

Executive Director - Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Student Supports

Shifting the culture of impact

Explore the key moments of our initiatives.

Interested in supporting projects like this?

Want to support projects like this?