
Vani Sanganeria
Vani Sanganeria covers student health and wellbeing as EdSource’s Local News Fellow, a partnership with the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the USC Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism. At USC’s student newsroom, Annenberg Media, she served as South Los Angeles editor, equity board leader and investigative reporter. Her work has been published in L.A. Public Press, Knock L.A. and L.A. TACO, among others. She lives in Los Angeles and is originally from Kolkata, India.
All articles by Vani Sanganeria
California schools inch closer to rescuing mental health funds slashed by Trump
The ruling is tempered since the temporary release of the funds doesn’t guarantee it will be permanent or timely enough to retain all mental health workers.
Vani Sanganeria
December 9, 2025
How one California school came together to pack 20,000 meals for the holidays
At an Elk Grove high school in Sacramento County, students worked a night in the cafeteria to combat global food insecurity.
Vani Sanganeria
December 8, 2025
How schools in San Diego County improved suicide prevention
San Diego County Office of Education has invested $7 million in the Creating Opportunities in Preventing and Eliminating Suicide initiative, which introduces a suicide risk screener for students who may be at risk of self-harm or suicide.
Vani Sanganeria
November 25, 2025
How school counselors reduced chronic absenteeism and suspensions at a California school district
The Livingston Union School District outpaced California in pandemic recovery by investing in comprehensive school counseling.
Vani Sanganeria
November 14, 2025
Northern California school district sues U.S. Department of Education over slashed mental health grants
After a student suicide in 2019, the McKinleyville Union School District relied on now-slashed funds to respond to the student mental health crisis.
Vani Sanganeria
October 24, 2025
More young people in California struggling with anxiety, stress and social media, study finds
California youth cited the high cost of living, including housing affordability and the price of groceries, along with gun violence, climate change and racism as top concerns.
Vani Sanganeria
October 15, 2025
What parents should know about new child vaccines | Quick Guide
California issued separate vaccination guidance and requires insurance companies to cover vaccines.
Vani Sanganeria
October 6, 2025
After federal cuts, California schools could lose hundreds of mental health clinicians
The Trump administration slashed nearly $168 million that was appropriated for school districts with severe shortages of social workers and counselors.
Vani Sanganeria
September 24, 2025
After Charlie Kirk’s killing, Newsom launches service challenge for young men
California is looking to pair young men and boys through mentorship, in the latest effort to address loneliness in the demographic.
Vani Sanganeria
September 18, 2025
Youth suicide declines since pandemic, but disparities persist in California
The state's youth suicide prevention programs include support for those at highest risk, including Black, Native American, Hispanic and LGBTQ youth.
Vani Sanganeria
August 13, 2025
Newsom directs agencies to tackle loneliness crisis among boys and young men
The governor's executive order addresses rising rates of suicide, unemployment and gaps in educational achievement.
Vani Sanganeria
August 4, 2025
How to help kids cope with ongoing ICE raids, deportations | Quick Guide
Families can prepare a tool kit to safeguard kids and their mental health this summer.
Vani Sanganeria
June 25, 2025
Through comedy, students can take ‘big swings’ for mental health
Comedians and mental health clinicians develop improv workshops to help students with mental health and personal growth.
Vani Sanganeria
June 5, 2025
Wellness coaches take on youth mental health problem in rural California
Part of a statewide $278 million investment, new certified wellness coaches respond to high rates of emotional distress and substance use among youth in rural Northern California.
Vani Sanganeria
May 7, 2025
How to protect children from wildfire pollutants | Quick Guide
Students across L.A. are at higher risk of inhaling toxic materials even after the blazes are no longer burning.







