Project Renew: Revitalizing Teen Hope

In the fall of 2024, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Arkansas Chapter launched a peer-led high school student initiative with the purpose to increase knowledge and awareness of mental health, suicide prevention and self-care, and to get the word out to teenagers, parents, and communities. 

Through the Blue and You Foundation's support, Project Renew: Revitalizing Teen Hope is an initiative that provides students with the ability to earn volunteer hours under the LEARNS Act, help lead the conversation within their schools around mental health and connect with their community at large. 

The program is six weeks in length and participating schools are required to complete four mandatory activities which include but are not limited to: educating parents on suicide prevention and mental health, educating their peers, educating the community, and launching a school wide mental health campaign using Seize the Awkward and 988 marketing materials. 

Schools who complete the program become official "Project Renew" schools. They receive a celebration party, a digital logo to place on the schools website, a banner to display in the school, and continued education and training for their schools. 

Lori White, a counselor from White Hall High School, had this to say about the project: "We have just really loved it, and it was so needed here. Our students and staff and community really benefited from it. I hope all schools do this program!" 

If you would like more information about Project Renew and how your school can get involved, please contact Kionti Traylor at [email protected].