African American teens face mental health crisis but are less likely than their whites counterparts to get treatment due to the negative stigma it has in the African American community as well as affordability.
Instead, some turn to suicide, now the second leading cause of death among Black children ages 10 to 19. That rate is rising faster for them than any other racial or ethnic group.
Black children have endured a distinctive kind of trauma since the pandemic began. They have had a different experience. The shootings of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery are just two examples.
Suicide is now the second leading cause of death among Black children ages 10 to 19 and that rate is rising faster for them than any other racial or ethnic group.
Studies have shown that depression can be different in white and black kids. In black kids, depression sometimes shows up as being angry or what adults see as being disobedient.
Project 16 is passionate about improving the lives of teens in the Dallas/Fort Worth area through meaningful programs and educational opportunities.
In 2021, as a result of the global pandemic, our focus has shifted toward providing professional support and resources to help teens process and heal emotionally during this challenging time, through TIME TO TALK.
TIME TO TALK is a counseling initiative to pair teens with professional therapists of color completely free of charge.
THE APPLICATION PERIOD HAS CLOSED.
Program Overview
- Offer: Six (6) private therapy sessions for DFW teens, delivered virtually by professional therapists
- Sponsored by: Project 16
- Cost: Completely free of charge
- Application Period: January 25-29, 2021
Eligibility
- Male or female, ages of 13-17
- Live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area
- Have Internet access
- Be experiencing any of the following symptoms: racial trauma, anxiety, test and performance anxiety, school issues, depression, low self-esteem, term dating, stress, grief, friendship problems and/or family conflict
How to Apply
- Complete the online application by January 29, 2021
- Selected applicants will be notified by February 8, 2021 by email.
ABOUT
Project 16 is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Dallas, Texas and founded by Jade “Lady Jade” Burrowes. Our mission is to equip and inspire youth ages 10-16 to realize the broad spectrum of educational paths and career options available to them beyond what they may see in their immediate surroundings. Through our programs and community partnerships, we seek to offer up close access, eye-opening experiences and educational tools to help children and teens aspire higher than their circumstances, and to dream big.
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PREVIOUS INITIATIVES
Videos from our many programs and events over the years
Project 16 Propels Students Toward Engineering at Texas A&M University
“I Am What I See” Career Day at Dan Powell Intermediate School
Project 16 Teaches Tie Tying