WHEREAS, California school counselors are employed in public and private schools to help pupils reach their full potential; and

WHEREAS, All children and youth can learn with the appropriate supports, and have the absolute right to an education that meets their needs; and

WHEREAS, Children’s mental health and resilience are interconnected with their learning and postsecondary success; and

WHEREAS, School counselors provide services and coordinate programs to improve school climate and increase pupils’ feelings of connectedness within the school setting; and

WHEREAS, School counselors deliver a range of services to reduce mental health stigma, identify risk factors and warning signs of pupils at risk for mental health and behavioral disorders, and provide counseling services to strengthen pupils’ prospects for school and life success; and

WHEREAS, School counselors address trauma caused by racial injustice and are positioned in school settings to promote equity, healing, and support for all pupils; and

WHEREAS, School counselors provide high-quality career education programs at all grade levels to promote the link between learning and future career choices, including career technical education; and

WHEREAS, School counselors counsel secondary pupils to satisfy the A-G curricular requirements for college admissions and encourage participation in college preparation programs, including, but not limited to, Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), Early College, Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate programs, by increasing pupils’ awareness of potential careers associated with interests and talents so they may become productive members of society; and

WHEREAS, California school counselors support parents, teachers, and other educators to help youth explore their potential and set realistic goals for themselves; and

WHEREAS, The citizens of California should recognize the vital role that the over 12,000 school counselors play in the social, emotional, career, and academic development of our children; now, therefore, be it