For the third straight year, Baldwin Wallace University is partnering with a RADical Hope, a nonprofit program that offers counseling, education and life skills to students for college, career and beyond. 

The four-week program, called RADical Health, was started by parents who lost their son to suicide and are now dedicated to empowering and providing students with the skills they need. 

“RADical Health equips young adults with critical life skills designed to strengthen mental health – participants learn communication techniques, active listening, stress management, emotional regulation, the power of vulnerability and more,” Georgia Suter, director of communications at RADical Hope, said. 

Furthermore, RADical Health is peer led, which means that small groups of 8-10 students will be chosen by older students to attend sessions. These sessions cover new topics each week, and students listen to peers recount personal experiences and engage with resources that can help them. 

“We’re trying to help young adults strengthen their connections and build resilience when they are in college,” said Mackenzie Kelly, director of programs at RADical Hope. 

Similarly. RADical Hope also aims to continue supporting students through BW’s Masters of Speech and Language Pathology program to reach more students. This is a two-year graduate program that allows second year students to guide freshmen to resources and act as mentors for them. 

According to Kelly and statistics provided by her team, RADical Health is incredibly effective. 100% of students reportedly felt more connected to their community, and 96% of students said that the program improved their leadership and communication skills. Additionally, 100% of students said that they recommend it to their friends and peers.  

“Last year, [RADical Hope] provided me with valued support and skills that made my transition to graduate school less overwhelming,” said Maddie Macron, a second-year student in the SLP program. “This year as a leader for RADical Hope, I’m looking forward to providing that same experience for students. I plan to grow in my ability to guide others through this experience to foster an environment that supports students through empathy, communication, and community-building.” 

Kelly said that RADical Hope’s model in the two year graduate program allows second year students to guide freshmen to resources and act as mentors to them. However, she also said she hopes to continue reaching students in different disciplines as well… like football. 

The University of Oregon’s football program has integrated the RADical Hope framework, and Karl Holmes Jr., director of player engagement at the university, said that it has made a tremendous impact on the team. 

“The RADical Hope framework has expanded our programs of excellence with efficiency, transparency and responsiveness to our student-athletes,” Holmes said. “Our players are now more open, connected and feel safe being vulnerable. Creating a safe and healthy space for our players has always been a priority, and Radical Hope helps us achieve that.”