Justin Ladas

“The stresses of navigating college can unwittingly impede students who otherwise have the intellectual abilities to succeed. The goal of this project is to provide a course ('College Stress Management') that utilizes evidence-based best practices through culturally responsive instruction while developing an equitable curriculum that provides transformative opportunities and supports the development of student voice, leadership development and emotional growth. More specifically, we would like to use this class, as well as a leadership summit, as an incubator to develop student leaders (women of color with disabilities) to act as peer mentors for incoming students in our program. 'College Stress Management' will incorporate culturally responsive texts and be taught in collaboration with a social worker and special education teacher utilizing a social justice framework while focusing on the following emotional intelligence competencies (self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, relationship skills and social awareness). Students will leave the course with a stronger ability to self-advocate in community settings and a better understanding of their own identities and why this should be thoughtfully applied in their everyday lives.”