Way Forward

Group of Youth Health Educators standing with Director

 

Way Forward In The News!


EMU program trains teen health leaders

Eastern Michigan University unveils Way Forward@EMU, empowering youth health leaders with $1M Toyota grant

 

The Way Forward Fund is an initiative of Toyota to support people impacted by significant injuries, starting with a focus on children recovering from traumatic brain injuries (TBI). In collaboration with Engage@EMU and The College of Health and Human Services, the Way Forward Fund has developed a Youth Health Educator (YHE) Corps. aimed at training high schoolers in TBI and prevention.

Way Forward@EMU is a paid leadership opportunity for high schoolers in Wayne Westland, Ypsilanti, and Romulus to be trained as peer Youth Health Educators (YHEs).

Not only do YHEs become experts in TBI and TBI Prevention, YHEs are granted a wide variety of opportunities. From career pathway exploration through the College of Health and Human Services, and the Psychology and Neuroscience Programs, to personal coaching and paid leadership opportunities, YHEs have many opportunities to disseminate TBI information and prevention to their communities. 

 

  • Program Model Expand dropdown

    Way Forward is a 6 to 8 week paid learning opportunity for high school students in Wayne Westland, Romulus, and Ypsilanti to become peer-to-peer Youth Health Educators (YHEs).  Students will meet with a facilitator one day a week for 75 minutes. Each session will cover different components of TBI and other health related topics such as mental health, nutrition, and wellness. 


    At the end of the 6 to 8 weeks, students will have the opportunity to present what they’ve learned in creative styles to showcase their leadership skills and earn a stipend of $100. Additionally, YHEs will have ongoing paid opportunities to present on TBI and prevention and other health related topics. 


  • Our Partners Expand dropdown

    Way Forward collaborates with Corner Health and EMU's Robert Thomson Center for the Advancement of Neurobehavioral Health in order to provide high quality learning experience to youth and evidence-based curricula content. 

  • Contact Us Expand dropdown

    Sondrea Singleton

    Director, Way Forward

    Photo of Way Forward@EMU Director, Sondrea Singleton

    734.487.6570

    [email protected]

    Liz Garaba

    Health Professional Hub Coordinator

    Photo of Wayforward@EMU Health Professional Hub Coordinator, Liz Garaba

    734.709.7007

    [email protected]

     


Materials Developed Under a Grant:
This program is a philanthropic contribution by Toyota Ann Arbor to provide sustainable programs with long-term impact centered on addressing gaps in health equity.