Core Projects

Directing Change is a school-based mental health and suicide prevention program designed to shift norms around suicide prevention within schools and communities. Framed as a film contest, the program has engaged diverse youth across California for nearly a decade. Students create short films on mental health and suicide prevention, applying their knowledge through hands-on filmmaking and communicating action-oriented, culturally relevant messages to peers. This process promotes learning of suicide warning signs, encourages help-seeking behavior, and aims to reduce stigma. The program's impact will be assessed through a mixed-method randomized trial in 40 high schools across California, with additional funding sought for implementation in New York State.