Whether children are exposed to a singular loss of a family member, peer or teacher, or the entire school is witness to a national tragedy, schools are ideally positioned to partner with families and communities to support children during these difficult times.
Teachers can be among the strongest advocates for bereaved students and families, and schools can serve as a safe space for students. As the first line of defense, educators see children each day in a consistent and structured environment. They are a critical element facilitating healing from grief after a death.
Recognizing that a creative outlet can provide a safe space to teens who are trying to cope with the death of a loved one, the Foundation in partnership with the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers created the New York Life Award to recognize students in grades 7-12 who have explored grief or loss in their original works of art or writing.