As part of my MPH coursework at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, I co-developed and co-authored a comprehensive proposal for a nine-month, school-based intervention designed to address depression disparities among Black adolescent males in South Central Los Angeles. The program, "From Wrongs to Rites," was tailored to the unique needs of Black adolescent males, aged 12–17, and adapted traditional Afrocentric Rites of Passage (ROP) models to foster cultural identity, self-agency, and emotional well-being.

• Core Elements of the Program:

  • Culturally Tailored Curriculum: Focused on identity understanding, skill-building, leadership development, and social support through group activities, creative projects, and family-centered events.

  • Community Collaboration: Proposed partnership with the nonprofit organization, 100 Black Men, and three local high schools in South Central Los Angeles to implement mentorship, health education, and social support strategies.

  • Evaluation Plan: Integrated qualitative and quantitative assessments to measure reductions in depressive symptoms, improvements in self-efficacy, and program feasibility.

This project demonstrates my ability to develop and evaluate evidence-based interventions, engage community stakeholders, and address health disparities through innovative, culturally sensitive public health strategies.