OKLAHOMA CITY – (March 8, 2023) – Paycom Software Inc. (NYSE:PAYC), a leading provider of HR software, gifted $50,000 to Edmond Public Schools Foundation. The donation is part of a two-year commitment that began in 2022 and funds several student behavioral and mental health needs through multitiered systems of support. This affects over 26,000 students across the entire Edmond Public Schools district.
Paycom’s donation contributes to the Edmond Public Schools Foundation’s $1.25 million commitment to invest in mental health initiatives from 2021-2026.
“The foundation is incredibly grateful for Paycom’s generous gift,” said Deanna Boston, chief executive officer of Edmond Public Schools Foundation. “Our country is in the middle of a mental health crisis, and Edmond Public Schools Foundation made mental and behavioral health a strategic priority in its support of Edmond Public Schools in 2021. It is more important than ever to identify support for our schools. With Paycom’s help, the foundation can continue championing the mental health and behavioral needs of Edmond children, from preschool to high school.”
While the nation as a whole has experienced a growing trend of childhood and adolescent mental health conditions over the past two decades, the recent pandemic accelerated and accentuated the rate of incidences of mental illness.
The foundation’s programs, in partnership with the students’ guardians and families, consider the best ways to support students’ mental health needs, both proactively and during a crisis. Last school year’s programming included mental health professional development for educators and support staff, Feeling Buddies for Pre-K through first graders and calming stations for all 19 Edmond elementary schools.
“Mental health and wellness are very important values to Paycom and its employees,” said Cassie Niemann, director of talent and organizational development at Paycom. “With this donation, we can simultaneously support local schools and mental health initiatives for young community members. We are grateful to partner with Edmond Public Schools Foundation to fund programs for student success, in the classroom and beyond.”
Niemann also serves on the board of directors for the Edmond Public Schools Foundation, working to advance excellence in education and enrich student opportunities through Edmond Public Schools.
The gift is part of Paycom’s commitment to support sustainable programs, including educational causes, that ensure basic needs are met and encourage a brighter future for all.
To learn more about Edmond Public Schools Foundation or support its mental health initiatives, visit https://www.edmondpsf.org.