The Vallejo Project empowers youth through Mental Illness Awareness Spring Break

Apr. 1—The Vallejo Project (VP) is empowering youth to elevate their voices when it comes to mental health with the launching this month of the Mental Illness Awareness Spring Break Program.

In the program, young individuals will have an opportunity to acquire vital tools in combating mental health stigma while fostering growth and community engagement.

"VP Mental Illness Awareness Spring Break Program is not just about raising awareness; it's about empowering our youth to become agents of change," a statement read in a news release.

Founded in 2020, the Vallejo Project seeks to develop leadership among youth and adolescents through peer learning and building pathways of communication, trades, and wellness, enabling their future as independent, autonomous agents for positive change.

"By equipping them with practical skills and fostering open dialogue around mental health, we are cultivating a generation of compassionate leaders who are equipped to address the stigma and challenges associated with mental illness," the news release stated.

Participants will engage in interactive discussions, hands-on construction projects, radio show preparations, and wellness practices throughout the week. The curriculum offers hands-on experience in constructing a broadcast studio and receive training in creating Public Service Announcements (PSAs) and Podcasts, tools to amplify their conversations around mental health issues, and ultimately, give them agency to bring their solutions to the forefront.

"Our program incorporates trauma-informed approaches to ensure that participants feel supported and safe throughout their journey," the news release stated.

Leaders of the program will safely guide participants in navigating potential re-lived trauma throughout the duration of the program.

The VP Mental Illness Awareness Spring Break Program is a collaborative effort between Solano County Office of Education Rise Grant, Vallejo Project, OZCAT and the Global Center for Success, aimed at fostering resilience, promoting mental wellness, and empowering youth to become advocates for mental health awareness.

For more information about the VP Mental Illness Awareness Spring Break Program, visit www.vallejoproject.org.

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