Bears Win Areas of Support
Bears WIN (Women's Impact Network) network launched in 2023 with the three most pressing needs of students at MSU: mental wellness, degree completion and mental wellness and neurodiversity on the West Plains campus. By 2026, Bears WIN hopes to celebrate raising awareness and at least $500,000 for these three initial areas that affect students from all backgrounds across the MSU system:
Mental Wellness
Nationwide, college students name mental wellness as a top concern. Magers Health and Wellness Center identified affordability, stigma and privacy as the primary reasons students do not seek mental-wellness care. The Bears WIN Mental Wellness Fund provides financial assistance for students seeking counseling or psychiatric services at Magers.
Degree Completion
The university offers a one-time grant to assist students who are experiencing circumstances that result in an outstanding balance with the university that prevents them from either continuing their enrollment, registering for a future semester or graduating from MSU. The Bears WIN Degree Completion Fund was established to assist students who have exhausted other areas of financial assistance and may not qualify for the campus grant, but still have some financial-support needs in order to complete a degree.
Mental wellness and neurodiversity on the West Plains campus
In fall 2022, Missouri State University-West Plains started the ASCEND (Autism Support Can Empower New Directions) program for students on the autism disorders spectrum who are transitioning out of high school. Students in the ASCEND program receive service in academic support, executive functions development, social strategy support and daily living transitions. ASCEND encourages and fosters self-confidence, self-advocacy and growing independence while students work toward an associate’s degree. The Grizzlies WIN Mental Wellness and Neurodiversity Fund at MSU-West Plains benefits these students.
Your support for these areas will have a far-reaching effect.
Join us in this effort to provide positive change for current and future students. The impact of these funds will create a meaningful difference during a time of crossroads in these students’ lives.