Why Choose Next Generation Leadership Program
- The Next Generation Leadership Program is a prevention initiative designed for adolescents in grades 5 through 12 (ages 11–18) who may exhibit at-risk behaviors, symptoms of anxiety, stress, unproductive thoughts, or mild depression. The program addresses a broad spectrum of students, ranging from those struggling with multiple risk factors to high-achieving individuals in supportive environments. It is also suitable for students interested in learning more about mental and emotional health and effective joy strategies, including those who want to better support their peers.
- Results of the program has shown its effectiveness for adolescents aged 11–18 across the full age span. It is important to note that the Next Generation Leadership Program is a prevention-focused intervention, not a treatment program. Therefore, teens with current major depression or serious suicidal ideation should be referred for appropriate treatment.
- Adolescents with a history of major depression may still benefit from the program, and it does not exclude teens based on the presence of other psychiatric disorders. Additionally, research indicates that adolescents with low to moderate levels of substance use can also benefit from the program's supportive framework.
Workshops Overview
Self-Empowerment
Recognize your inner strength, cultivate self-confidence, and take ownership of your actions and decisions, empowering you to navigate life with purpose and resilience.
Identifying Your Purpose
Explore your passions, talents, and values to identify your unique purpose, setting meaningful, long-term goals that align with who you are and who you want to become.
Normal Stress vs. Chronic (Harmful) Stress
Learn to differentiate between everyday stress and chronic stress and develop practical tools for managing both types to maintain well-being and mental health.
Navigating Emotions
Develop emotional intelligence by understanding, expressing, and regulating your emotions in healthy ways, fostering better self-awareness and emotional resilience.
Navigating Relationships
Build communication strategies, set healthy boundaries, and cultivate meaningful, positive relationships that support personal growth and emotional well-being.
Navigating Social Change and Race Relationships
Address issues of social justice, diversity, and inclusion, empowering youth to take action and create positive change within their communities and beyond.
Sustaining Academic Excellence
Develop effective study habits, time management skills, and strategies for balancing academic and personal responsibilities to achieve lasting success.
Embracing Your Joy
Reconnect with joy, gratitude, and positivity to create a strong foundation of happiness and resilience, even during challenging times.
Healing Your Central Nervous System
Learn mindfulness, relaxation, and grounding techniques to restore emotional and physical balance, supporting overall health and wellness.
Living a Joyful, Drug-Free Life (Part 1 & 2)
Focus on building resilience, making healthy choices, and fostering a positive, drug-free lifestyle, emphasizing the importance of mental and physical well-being.
Certified Facilitators
The program is designed to be led by certified facilitators who are trained to deliver weekly, interactive, and engaging workshops. Each session begins with a Grounding Exercise to help participants center themselves and create a sense of calm. This is followed by Gratitude Announcements, which foster a sense of community, mindfulness, and self-reflection. These practices set a positive tone for the workshops, encouraging participants to engage fully and appreciate their personal growth.
Assessment
The Next Generation Leadership Program is a prevention and intervention initiative designed for at-risk youth; it is not a treatment program. It is considered best practice to assess adolescents demonstrating signs or symptoms of major depression or serious suicidal ideation. If either is identified, the adolescent should be referred to appropriate treatment services. Utilizing a validated depression screening tool, such as the CES-D or PHQ-9, is strongly recommended for this assessment.