PC Student Tackles Mental Health Crisis with Innovative Solution

PC sophomore Grace Culbreath is making a significant impact on adolescent mental health care through her award-winning proposal in the Service Entrepreneurship Scholarship Competition. Her project, “Project Hygieia,” addresses a critical gap in mental health services for South Carolina teenagers struggling with anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. Drawing from personal experience, Culbreath developed a comprehensive framework to establish Adolescent Wellness Centers at South Carolina’s 16 technical colleges, creating accessible mental health screening and counseling services for underserved youth. “When I was in high school, I struggled with an eating disorder and anxiety after multiple ACL injuries ended my chance to play soccer,” Culbreath explains in her proposal. This experience gave her firsthand insight into the challenges many adolescents face—and the barriers that prevent many from receiving help. Project Hygieia, named after the Greek goddess of health, proposes a collaborative partnership between the South Carolina Technical College System, Federally Qualified Health Centers, the S.C. Education Lottery, and higher education institutions to provide free or reduced-cost mental health services to adolescents. “I am very happy to have found PC, and I have loved my time here. I love that we are such a tight community and I have made lifelong friendships,” she said. “I have also had the opportunity to get involved and experience things that will help me in the future, even after I graduate.” As a double major in Psychology and History, Culbreath is building a strong academic foundation while actively engaging in campus life through student government, Greek life, and the ambassador program. Though her career path remains open, she feels confident in her preparation. “I am not quite sure what career field I plan on going into after graduation, but I know that PC will prepare me for any path I plan to take,” Culbreath said. “The professors here are very helpful to students and the classes offered are great at setting us up for any career we choose to pursue.” Culbreath’s proposal reflects PC’s mission of service and leadership. Her plan includes detailed implementation strategies, timeline development, and evaluation tools to measure success. By leveraging existing resources and creating new partnerships, Project Hygieia aims to provide critical early intervention for at-risk youth. Culbreath encourages high school students to participate in the Service Entrepreneurship Competition. “It requires participants to think strategically, propose solutions, and develop planning and execution skills to benefit their communities,” she said. “It is a type of learning process that goes beyond the classroom and focuses on developing knowledge in making a difference throughout communities, which I think is invaluable.” Through Project Hygieia, Culbreath embodies PC’s commitment to developing leaders who address real-world challenges with innovative, compassionate solutions. Her work demonstrates how one student’s vision and dedication can create meaningful change for vulnerable populations in South Carolina.