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Students tell board teen mental-health ADAPT program helps them recognize distress, support peers
Summary
Students and staff from the Akoma Unity Center told the board that the ADAPT program (alcohol, drug and prevention plus teen mental-health first aid) trained 65 people and reached more than 100 scholars; several students described learning skills to spot and respond to peers in crisis.
Several teenagers participating in the Akoma (AOMA) Unity Center's ADAPT program told the San Bernardino City Unified School District board that the program gives them practical tools for managing stress and supporting friends.
Kendra Calvin, a trained facilitator and teacher who helps run ADAPT, described the program as a holistic prevention model that combines substance-use awareness with mental-health first aid: "It takes a holistic approach by addressing not only substance ... but also mental and emotional well-being," she said.
Students who presented said the program teaches concrete techniques — how to start a supportive conversation, where to seek help and how to notice warning signs. "I learned how to manage my stress," one student said in a recorded clip. Another told the board ADAPT gave them confidence to open up to peers and adults.
Kimberly Calvin, executive director of the AOMA Unity Center, told the board the program has trained 65 people and reached more than 100 scholars in San Bernardino and Rialto since February. She said community partners and funders provided stipends to graduates: "Our first 26 graduates each received $1,000," she said, and current cohort stipends were described in remarks as $775 per scholar.
Students asked the board to expand access to mental-health education and safe spaces across schools. "Our youth deserve better mental health support. Our youth deserve safe spaces. Our youth deserves programs like ADAP," one student said.
Board members thanked the presenters and asked staff to consider how district resources and partners might amplify the program. No formal board action was taken.
