At the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), the Teen Wellness Connection (TWC) program fosters collaboration between high school students and mental health researchers. Each year, this initiative culminates in the Teen Wellness Summit on Mental Health, where over 170 students participate in workshops aimed at promoting mental health awareness.
The program comprises 25 students from various San Francisco high schools who engage with UCSF clinicians and health professionals. Participants learn about mental health topics, including depression, anxiety, and substance use, through a series of presentations, panels, and discussions. This hands-on approach not only educates the teens but also allows researchers to gain fresh perspectives from younger generations.
Alexandra Klein, PhD, a postdoctoral scholar at UCSF, values the interaction with students. She stated, “It’s rewarding to engage with young people, as they are in a different stage of their lives compared to my typical research team. This experience helps me prepare for mentoring undergraduates and graduates in the future.” Klein’s research focuses on how emotions are processed in the brain, and she emphasizes the importance of normalizing discussions around mental health.
The program begins with a three-week summer intensive that covers 12-15 relevant mental health topics, complemented by community-building activities such as icebreakers and field trips. Following the summer session, students meet regularly to organize the Teen Wellness Summit, where they share their knowledge with their peers through workshops and activities, including art competitions and performances.
Sara Chung, PhD, an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UCSF, highlights that mental health is a pressing issue for teenagers. She noted that her personal experiences with mental health challenges drive her passion for reaching out to students. “Connecting with these teens helps to break down barriers and shows that mental health is an accessible topic, not something confined to academia,” Chung said.
Allie Giovanelli, PhD, another key participant in the program, discusses the significance of addressing current issues like social media’s impact on youth and substance use disorders. She encourages students to creatively engage with these topics, ensuring the information resonates with their peers.
The TWC program is led by the UCSF Science and Health Education Partnership (SEP) and originally funded by a Science Education Partnership Award from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). However, recent news indicated that the NIH funding has been canceled, putting the future of the program at risk. Sabine Jeske, academic coordinator for SEP, expressed hope for finding alternative funding sources to sustain the initiative.
The Teen Wellness Connection exemplifies how collaborative efforts between students and researchers can effectively address mental health issues. It empowers young individuals to become advocates for mental health in their communities, fostering a generation that is more aware and engaged in public health discussions.
