Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-2024
Publisher
Springer
Source Publication
Prevention Science
Source ISSN
1389-4986
Original Item ID
DOI: 10.1007/s11121-023-01570-w
Abstract
This study reports on the feasibility and acceptability of a social justice infused service-learning (S-L) program to promote Black adolescent mental health and educational equity. We convened a community advisory board to help adapt and pilot test, via open trial mixed method design, an evidence-based service-learning program for Black middle school adolescents (n = 21) attending summer camp at a faith-based setting. We describe a S-L curriculum, with a focus on the achievement gap, and training for church staff and assess staff and youth reports of feasibility, acceptability, and promise to (a) improve/engage psychological engagement targets, and (b) improve academic motivation, and social-emotional and behavioral outcomes. Mixed method findings revealed high feasibility and acceptability of the S-L intervention as indicated by consistent attendance and enthusiastic engagement by staff and youth, high satisfaction, high completion rates of planned sessions, and emergent qualitative themes from staff interviews and adolescent focus groups highlighting that service-learning (1) facilitated skills (e.g., goal-setting, social-emotional and behavioral regulation, and problem-solving), (2) shaped perspectives and inspired openness, and (3) created a space for all to feel valued and included to address the inequities of education that directly impacted them. There was preliminary evidence for efficacy in that youth report of emotional symptoms, peer problems, and staff report of general internalizing symptoms decreased following the intervention, while youth report of prosocial behaviors increased. Implications suggest that S-L programming demonstrates promise to promote mental health outcomes, raise social awareness, and inspire critical consciousness and lift the voices of Black youth by providing tools for working toward systemic changes to reduce inequities in both education and mental health.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Dinizulu, Sonya Mathies; Velez, Gabriel M.; Morency, Mirinda; Jacobson, Kristen; Moore, Kelsey; Carter, Nichole; and Frazier, Stacy L., "Lift Every Voice: Engaging Black Adolescents in Social Justice Service-Learning to Promote Mental Health and Educational Equity" (2024). College of Education Faculty Research and Publications. 617.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/edu_fac/617
Comments
Accepted version. Prevention Science, Vol. 25, No. 1 (January 2024): 68-84. DOI. © Springer. Used with permission.