EMPOWER Youth Implementation Pilot in California Schools
An ongoing project (2026-Present).
The Aim of the Study:
This project tests EMPOWER Youth in California schools with wellness coaches trained by Wellness Together. It assesses feasibility and acceptability of delivery by trained wellness coaches, and evaluates effectiveness for youth ages 10-19 in school settings.
The Background:
More than 20% of American adolescents experience a mental health disorder, yet the majority go without treatment. Schools represent a high-reach setting for closing this gap, connecting with students regardless of family income or proximity to a clinic. California's large and diverse student population, many of whom face significant barriers to clinic-based care, makes school-embedded programming a promising pathway to reaching adolescents at scale.
The Project Plan:
The HMS team partnered with Wellness Together, a California-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit leading statewide school wellness initiatives in collaboration with the California Department of Education and major health systems. Wellness coaches will deliver EMPOWER Youth across two schools beginning in fall 2026, followed by a mixed-methods evaluation.
Supporters and Project Duration:
The development of the EMPOWER Youth Intervention was funded by the Manton Foundation. Implementation is supported by Wellness Together and Blue Cross Blue Shield of California.
Next Steps:
Wellness coaches across two schools will be trained in summer 2026; delivery begins in fall 2026.