R.I.S.E (Resources for Inclusive Support and Empowerment)

R.I.S.E (Resources for Inclusive Support and Empowerment)

Project Focus: Mental health.

Target Audience and Location: Students in the Freeport High School Community who are suffering from anxiety, stress or depression in Freeport, New York.

Vision: A healthy, accepting and loving community where every individual, regardless of background, has equitable access to the wellness resources and support they need to succeed.

Mission: To empower students to co-create effective and accessible wellness resources that promote healthy stress management and mental health support within our community.

Project Description: Scholar Evan Negron and educator Lawrence Bamberger developed their project to address the mental health challenges faced by students at their school, particularly those dealing with anxiety, stress, and depression. Recognizing the need for accessible support, the project focuses on empowering students to take an active role in co-creating wellness resources that meet their specific needs and foster a culture of well-being.

Through collaborative workshops, peer support networks, and wellness initiatives, R.I.S.E encourages students to actively engage in creating solutions that promote healthy stress management and mental health awareness. The project also works to break the stigma surrounding mental health by offering accessible resources, providing educational outreach, and creating a supportive environment where students can seek help without judgment. R.I.S.E aims to build a community where every student feels supported, understood, and empowered to prioritize their well-being.

As a student leader, Evan is most proud that “I built a committed and fun team and that we organized all of the qualitative data from our student survey responses so it can be shared with our principal and superintendent.”