As the nation ages, many adolescents will become caregivers for a burgeoning population of elders. These adolescents will have had little training and information on how to address a loved one’s psychosocial needs. This thesis evaluated if a week-long “What Gives Your Life Meaning” (WGYLM^©) program increased awareness of and improved attitudes about palliative care (PC) among high school students.

Fourteen (14) high school students participated in this week-long study by viewing clips from the movie Being Mortal, participating in a discussion with a palliative care professional, listening to an interview with an adolescent caregiver, and answering questions relative to end of life. The students’ accurate definition of palliative care as care focused on quality of life increased from 57% to 78%. Results suggested that a school based WGYLM^© program would benefit adolescents’ knowledge and attitudes about PC.