LANSING, Mich. — Michigan Virtual has partnered with TRAILS (Transforming Research into Action to Improve the Lives of Students) to expand its Michigan Cares support menu for schools statewide. This collaboration, which began in December 2024, provides access to mental health programming grounded in evidence-based cognitive behavioral principles at no cost to all Michigan public schools through state funding received by TRAILS.
The TRAILS curriculum and educator training addresses critical developmental needs by helping students build essential life skills including empathy, self-awareness, and respect. Through carefully designed classroom lessons, educators can guide students in developing crucial abilities like emotional management, responsible decision-making, and healthy relationship building.
“This partnership represents a significant step forward in making high-quality mental health resources accessible to every Michigan school,” said Angela Shields, MI Cares Program Manager at Michigan Virtual. “By integrating TRAILS’ proven curriculum into our Michigan Cares collection of services for schools, we’re empowering educators with the tools they need to support student well-being.”
TRAILS expands access to youth mental health services in schools by training and equipping staff to deliver and sustain effective programming. Launched in 2013 as a research project within the University of Michigan Medical School, TRAILS is now an independent 501(c)(3) offering three tiers of mental health support for students. Key features of the TRAILS curriculum include:
- Flexible, educator-friendly lessons requiring minimal preparation time
- Inclusive design accommodating varied learning needs
- Bilingual resources with handouts and caregiver letters in English and Spanish
- Comprehensive training and support for teaching staff
The partnership, which extends through December 2026, aims to ensure all Michigan schools are aware of and can access these valuable resources through their local ISD or RESA. This access to evidence-based support is vital for schools as mental health support for students continues to remain a critical need. In 2024, 13.5% of Michigan children ages 3-17 reported or were diagnosed with anxiety or depression. Michigan Virtual currently serves over 99% of ISDs and Local School Districts with professional learning services.
In 2020, the State of Michigan funded the creation of the Michigan Cares program to offer educators and families — children, teachers, and parents alike — free digital lessons focused on developing mental well-being, and overall social and emotional skills. The resources help students develop healthy human skills to help navigate life both in and beyond the classroom — such as stress management, emotional self-care, developing healthy coping techniques, feeling and showing empathy, and getting along and working with others. The lessons also provide teacher self-care courses to support educators as well.
Learn about the full suite of offerings available to schools, including TRAILS, such as mental health, suicide prevention, classroom support, and online educator training, through Michigan Cares at michiganvirtual.org/michigan-cares.
