STRIDES: A positive youth development program for continuation high school students

The Idea

STRIDES is a school-based positive youth development program for continuation high school students in Los Angeles. Run entirely by volunteers, we train public health graduate students to teach a 10-week skill-building and physical activity program and plan an annual STRIDES 5k Run/Walk.

The Specifics

Students at continuation high schools, which serve youth who have fallen behind in credits, are at higher risk for suicide than their peers at standard public high schools. Positive youth development programs that address suicide risk factors – like low social support and self-esteem – have been successful, but this type of programming is rare at continuation high schools. We will use $2500 to fill the gap at Olympic Continuation High School by utilizing skill-building lessons and physical activity to improve students’ social support and self-esteem. Our volunteer coaches support a team of students as they train to complete the annual STRIDES 5k Run/Walk, which is organized to increase our community’s awareness that suicide is preventable.

Discussion

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