About

Future Leaders Program

The Future Leaders Program (FLP) is a research study funded by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, which is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This study compares two afterschool programs that were designed for high school students and examines how involvement in these programs is related to youth mental health and wellbeing. Both programs are designed for high school students, are fun, interactive, involve working collaboratively together, and have been enjoyed by high school students. High schoolers participating in the FLP will be randomly assigned to participate in one of the two programs. High schoolers will be recruited from Boston and Chicago for this study.

Programs

Leadership, Engagement, and Youth Activism Program with Mindfulness (LEAP): LEAP focused on leadership and civic action. High school students in this program work together to identify injustices and to take steps to make community change. This program also involves mindfulness activities, which are activities that involve focusing on awareness of how people think and feel in the present moment. 

EnvisionIT: EnvisionIT is a college and career preparation program which involves learning skills related to conducting college and job searches, preparing applications, and job interview skills. High school students in this program put together a portfolio that they can use in job searches in the future.

Research Participation

All high schoolers who participate in the FLP will be part of a research study. They and their parents/guardians will be asked to complete surveys and high schoolers may be asked to complete interviews. Afterschool program sessions will be observed and may be audiorecorded. All youth and parents/guardians will be paid for their time.