Through the generous support of an anonymous funder, Wyman is actively seeking to build a coalition of partners to replicate one of our proven programs, the Teen Connection Project (TCP), with high school students across the St. Louis Metro area.
The U.S. Surgeon General has called the mental health of our nation’s youth an “urgent public health crisis.” Adolescents faced two plus years of disrupted developmental experiences which continues to impact them. The adults serving youth within schools and community organizations also struggle with their own well-being while they search for solutions to best support teens.
Amidst this crisis is a finding that paves the way for an effective community response: Strong relationships with peers and adults are fundamental to healthy development and positive life trajectories. From a student survey, the CDC reports that a sense of being cared for, supported, and belonging at school has an important effect on students during a time of severe disruption.
In 2019, Wyman launched the Teen Connection Project (TCP), a highly engaging, evidence-based, social-emotional learning program for high school students. TCP focuses on building healthy relationships and connections – and provides exactly what the CDC is recommending. It is a proactive experience of being cared for, supported, and belonging. TCP offers 12 interactive group lessons on topics including communication, conflict, trust, vulnerability, giving and getting support, and recognizing strengths, and is delivered through a small group experience with strong adult facilitation. Establishing supportive relationships with peers is one of the strongest mechanisms to build social emotional skills in teens.
A three-year research study of the program – conducted in St. Louis area high schools – showed a positive impact on quality of peer relationships, social coping, emotional well-being, and school engagement. TCP has also received CASEL’s (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning) highest designation for high-quality SEL programming.
Students are struggling in schools and schools are stretched to meet these needs. Strong partnerships between schools and community-based organizations are an effective way to bring needed programs like Teen Connection Project to students.
Through this generous support, Wyman is pleased to be able to launch five new community partners to provide the Teen Connection Project to teens they serve. This opportunity includes training, curriculum, on-going support, and evaluation to partners interested in implementing TCP, as well as the opportunity to connect with and learn from others utilizing the program.
Is your organization interested in applying for this opportunity to become a TCP replication partner?
Do you know an organization in the St. Louis area that would be interested? Share this with them!
Read more about TCP:
U.S. Surgeon General issues advisory on Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation, calls for a National Strategy to Advance Social Connection. Wyman is ready to answer the call in support of young people.
By Allison Williams, President & CEO U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has issued an advisory [...]
Jan
Prioritizing social connections through the Teen Connection Project
By Crystal Smith, Director of the Teen Connection Project (Wyman) and Dr. Joseph Allen, Hugh [...]
Mar
Teen Connection Project promotes health and healing during teen mental health crisis
By Allison Williams Senior Vice President, National Network & Strategic Initiatives The urgency of our [...]
May