What is the Four Pillar Philosophy?

Erika's Lighthouse believes that when each program pillar is active in a school, students will experience a more inclusive culture around mental health. This results in an increase in knowledge surrounding depression and suicide prevention and the ability to use and adapt skills and practices to promote good mental health.

What are the Four Pillars?The Four Pillars of Erika's Lighthouse are: Classroom Education, Empowerment Clubs, Family Engagement, and School Policy & Staff Training.

Classroom Education

Evidence-informed curricula designed for grades 4–12. Lessons and assessments promote good mental health, educate students about depression and suicide, reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking.

Empowerment Clubs

Student-led clubs and turn-key activities that normalize and promote conversations around mental health by reducing stigma, educating peers and promoting help-seeking.

Family Engagement

Workbooks, workshops, activities, discussion guides and other resources that foster inclusive and supportive dialogue in homes around mental health that promote wellness.

School Policy & Staff Training

Staff training, policy recommendations, partnerships, and wellness activities that help schools build coordinated, comprehensive strategies to meet the mental health needs of students.

These program pillars impact every member of a school community — students, families, and staff. Erika’s Lighthouse helps schools cultivate a positive and supportive environment where students not only have mental health literacy but thrive with it.

Districts, schools, and classrooms can leverage these programs as comprehensive, integrated, Tier 1 initiatives or as standalone efforts that complement existing school-based programs.