Gryphin
Building Self-Esteem for Brighter Futures
Current Project Stage: Prototype
Self-esteem is important for the wellbeing of children. Self-esteem reflects an overall subjective emotional evaluation of our worth as humans. Self-esteem is also a judgment of our capabilities and skills. When you have high self-esteem you are confident. To be confident means you are self-assured and take pride in yourself, your work, and your relationships with others.
Our team believes there are not enough educational opportunities or programs designed to improve the self-esteem of our youth. With this in mind, we have designed Gryphin, a program to meet this goal. Gryphin will incorporate activities, tutoring, and reflection to help build self-esteem by providing opportunity for youth to practice skills such as collaboration, communication, problem solving, peer-to-peer mentoring, and respect. The program will focus on students entering into sixth grade, which is a critical transitional period into the middle school grades. It is our belief that, by focusing on sixth grade students, we will help future generations succeed in their studies, continue on to high school at higher rates, and graduate with greater success. And, as importantly, it is our hope that students who have participated in Gryphin will live fulfilling and rewarding lives - whether it means going on to college or entering the workforce. First and foremost, our program will benefit students: emotionally, psychologically, and physically; however, there is also a trickle-down effect that will benefit society by producing citizens who have had positive experiences communicating their ideas, goals, concerns, and working through conflict in a productive and responsible way. In this way we intend to help boost the confidence of our youth to build stronger relationships with their families, friends, communities, and the world in which we live.
Next Step: Test program in after school setting
Design Studio: Glendale Community College
Student Design Team: Vincent Stark, Pedro Escobedo, Gilbert Martinez, Relina Huerta