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Katelyn Adams
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Friday, May 9, 2025, the Civic Engagement Fellows led a successful conference session at the Nan Project's Empowering Youth Voices 2025 Mental Health Youth Summit in Danvers! Civic Fellow, Aiden DeCaro gave the keynote speech, and the fellows curated a panel discussion titled “Salem State’s Declassified College Survival Guide”. Through this panel Civic Fellows aimed to alleviate the fear surrounding college by sharing personal stories, fostering thoughtful discussion, and sharing pieces of advice gathered from students across campus. Civic Fellows answered questions on topics such as financial aid, taking a gap year, changing your major, gaining mental health and disability support services in college, and why they chose Salem State (SSU)! All the youth in the session received a Zine that included advice from SSU students and university swag. Presenting at the summit was part of a much larger campaign that included gaining our community's advice on the transition from high school to college and raising awareness for Bill H.595. This legislation if passed, would mandate mental health professionals in K-12 schools. The Civic Fellows raised awareness through multiple tabling sessions and community outreach. Thank you to all who contributed words of wisdom to the next generation of college students and to those who contacted their elected officials in support of the bill!
