Selby Scholars are selected for 4-year renewable scholarships based on their academic readiness and commitment, as well as their resilience, grit, and commitment to the Selby Foundation values. While pursuing success in college, our students often tell us they are experiencing intense stress. This is consistent with national data and reports from our partners that also invest in post-secondary education.
For the Selby Foundation, this offers a unique opportunity to introduce our students to resources, planning, and experiences to build mental wellness strategies.
With an investment from the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation through Resilient Retreat, ten Selby Scholars are part of an exciting pilot program with Dr. Stacie Herrera. The program facilitates learning and student conversations in a meaningful process to create individual mental health plans. The plans are focused on the people and tools that can support students to maintain their health, even in times of stress. Students are learning to self-identify signs their mental health needs more attention and to navigate helpful systems and supports before a crisis occurs.
In leading the program, Dr. Herrera is using her experience as a youth psychologist, national and local data, the power of student connections, and AI tools she designed. Participating Selby Scholars learn in a virtual, small group environment to build key proficiencies they can adapt based on life situations. They have agreed to provide critical feedback and insights about the program to help shape future work that can help even more students.