NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

A program to enhance leadership and well-being in youth of color through civic engagement and mindfulness.

Official title: Can A Youth Civic Leadership, Engagement and Mindfulness Program Reduce Structural Racism, and Support Functioning and Well-being for Youth of Color?

Funded at Boston University (Charles River Campus) · NIH-11159179 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at a program called LEAP-M that helps young people of color in Boston and Chicago build leadership skills and improve their mental health through mindfulness and community involvement.

More Mindfulness research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBoston University (Charles River Campus)
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project startSeptember 18, 2023
Project endAugust 31, 2028
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$1,687,054
NIH project number4UH3AT012530-02
Project IDNIH-11159179 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are youth of color, particularly those attending schools where they are a numerical minority or primarily youth of color.

Less likely to help

Youth who do not identify as people of color or those not engaged in school settings may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates a program called Leadership, Engagement, and youth Activism Program with Mindfulness (LEAP-M) aimed at improving the mental, emotional, and behavioral health of youth of color. The program combines civic engagement and leadership training with mindfulness practices to foster personal growth and community involvement. It will be implemented in schools in Boston and Chicago, targeting youth in diverse educational settings. The study will assess the program's effectiveness in enhancing youth leadership skills and overall well-being.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could empower youth of color by improving their mental health and civic engagement skills.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that programs integrating mindfulness and civic engagement can positively impact youth, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Boston University (Charles River Campus)
    Boston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Green, Jennifer Greif — Boston University (Charles River Campus)
  • Study coordinator: Green, Jennifer Greif

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Prenatal mindfulness and inflammatory pathways to support mom and baby health

    A study from Oregon Health & Science University will explore how mindfulness during pregnancy might influence inflammatory signals and improve emotional well-being for mothers and healthy development for their children.

    NIH research Oregon Health & Science University · Portland, United States · NIH-11451269

  • LEAP: a youth leadership and mindfulness program to support well-being

    A two-arm study will test whether a 7-week LEAP program that combines leadership training with mindfulness can improve mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being for adolescents aged 12–20.

    NIH research Boston University (Charles River Campus) · Boston, United States · NIH-11395595

  • Leadership and mindfulness program to support teen well-being

    A 7-week leadership program with mindfulness practices for 12–20-year-olds to help improve mood, behavior, and leadership skills.

    NIH research Boston University (Charles River Campus) · Boston, United States · NIH-11194008

  • Healthy work design and worker well-being

    A multi-site program aims to improve the health and well-being of workers by studying how work design affects safety, stress, and quality of life.

    NIH research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · Chapel Hill, United States · NIH-11631666

  • Anga Center for Community Health and Well-being

    A community-focused program from Columbia University aims to strengthen mental health and resilience in East Africa and other at-risk communities by partnering with local centers and using evidence-based approaches.

    NIH research Columbia Univ New York Morningside · New York, United States · NIH-11601626

  • Anga Center for Community Health and Well-being: building resilience to extreme weather in Africa and beyond

    A program to help communities cope with the mental health effects of extreme weather by partnering with African regions and local centers to develop practical, evidence-based support.

    NIH research Columbia Univ New York Morningside · New York, United States · NIH-11601625

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.