The purpose of this project was to locate a conceivable funding source and write a grant to enhance mental health services to at risk youth who endure barriers such as being unauthorized, having unauthorized parents, and enduring trauma. Given the politics of today’s presidency and the high volume of Latinx youth, real and perceived barriers to wellbeing have exacerbated the use of poor coping skills and increased distress among youth. For this reason, this proposed program will be hosted in a local high school with a large number of Latinx youth who are unauthorized or are children of unauthorized parents.

The goals of the proposed program are to provide students, parents, and school staff with psychoeducation, to reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression among students, and to empower parents to understand their rights, along with being aware of resources available to unauthorized families. The California Wellness Foundation was selected as a prospective funding source as they are dedicated to enhancing the wellbeing of all people in California. The actual submission and funding of this grant were not requirements for the successful completion of this project.