Cumberland County, North Carolina — Cumberland County Schools has released a mental health support app called Alongside, designed for students in grades 6-12.
With parental permission, students can access Kiwi the Llama, an AI chatbot powered by doctor clinicians, within the app. We provide 24/7 mental health support.
Cumberland County Schools Superintendent Dr. Marvin Connelly Jr. said this is a resource that leverages technology to provide immediate access to mental health support.
He said this represents the district’s commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment for all students.
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The new app aligns with Cumberland County Schools’ Strategic Priority 3, Environmental Excellence. “We are focused on integrating resources, facilities, and staff to maintain a safe and engaging learning environment,” according to a press release.
“Student support staff such as counselors, social workers and psychologists will always be needed. There is no substitute for human connection,” said Dr. Natasha Scott, Executive Director of Student Services. “The Alongside app complements our existing resources and underscores our dedication to providing comprehensive support to our students.”
In addition to core features, it also includes development tools and secure escalation protocols.
Jay Goyal, the app’s CEO, said Alongside was created to partner with schools to combat the youth mental health crisis.
