FullBloom, a prominent child development platform, has recently made waves with its acquisition of CharacterStrong, a national provider of school-based mental health solutions. This strategic move aims to enhance the holistic support provided to K-12 schools, integrating academic, behavioral, and mental health interventions to create personalized solutions for students in need.
The acquisition of CharacterStrong by FullBloom is a significant development in the realm of education and mental health support. CharacterStrong, known for its innovative curricula and resources, fills a crucial gap in the K-12 education landscape by offering tools that enable educators to address the mental health challenges faced by students. By joining forces with FullBloom, CharacterStrong aims to expand its reach and impact, supporting more students and empowering educators on a larger scale.
Jeffrey Cohen, CEO of FullBloom, expressed enthusiasm about the merger, highlighting the importance of providing tailored solutions for students struggling in school. By combining academic, behavioral, and mental health programs, FullBloom aims to accelerate learning, reduce costs, and create safer environments for students. Cohen emphasized the pressing nature of mental health challenges in schools today, underscoring the need for comprehensive platforms that prioritize early identification and prevention.
The addition of CharacterStrong to FullBloom’s repertoire follows a strategic growth trajectory focused on addressing mental health concerns in the K-12 market. Two years ago, FullBloom acquired EmpowerU, a Tier 2 service provider that pairs students with coaches to address mental health issues proactively. With the integration of CharacterStrong, FullBloom moves closer to offering a comprehensive suite of mental health products and services tailored to the unique needs of students.
CharacterStrong’s co-founders, John Norlin, Lindsay Norlin, and Houston Kraft, along with Dr. Clay Cook, have joined FullBloom’s mental health division. John Norlin will lead the new business as Co-Founder of CharacterStrong and General Manager of FullBloom Mental Health. This collaboration aims to leverage FullBloom’s experience and scale in K-12 education to become a leader in school-based mental health, promoting resilience, well-being, and reducing the need for intensive interventions.
FullBloom, with nearly 50 years of experience in providing academic, behavioral, and emotional support, has a proven track record of delivering specialized education, intervention services, and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. In recent years, the organization has expanded its focus to include mental health services, ensuring that children receive comprehensive support to overcome non-academic barriers to success.
CharacterStrong, founded in 2016, has established itself as a key player in the education sector, partnering with schools and districts worldwide to train educators and serve millions of students. By offering multi-tiered levels of support, from universal instruction to targeted interventions, CharacterStrong enhances FullBloom’s capacity to address the diverse needs of students across different learning environments.
With this acquisition, FullBloom’s commitment to providing academic, behavioral, and emotional support is strengthened, setting the stage for a more integrated and comprehensive approach to student well-being. By combining forces with CharacterStrong, FullBloom is poised to make a lasting impact on the educational landscape, equipping students with the skills they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
As the education and mental health sectors continue to evolve, partnerships like the one between FullBloom and CharacterStrong exemplify a proactive and collaborative approach to addressing the complex needs of students. By prioritizing holistic support and personalized solutions, these organizations are paving the way for a more inclusive and effective educational experience for all students.
