Strengthening Student Mental Health through NDUR
NDUR, a leader in student-athlete wellness, has recently completed its second consecutive year partnering with Boston Public Schools (BPS). Co-founded by Michael Carter-Williams, the former NBA Rookie of the Year, NDUR is dedicated to enhancing the mental health and overall wellness of student-athletes across four high schools in Boston. This groundbreaking initiative has sought to directly integrate mental health support into the curriculum and athletic programs of these schools.
During this fall semester, NDUR implemented an innovative program aimed at helping student-athletes cultivate resilience, manage stress, and nurture a sense of belonging. Recognized as a pioneering approach to mental health education, this immersive program consisted of engaging workshops that included guided journaling and peer storytelling sessions.
Throughout the semester, participants from four BPS high schools benefited from interactive workshop huddles designed to foster dialogue and shared experiences among teammates. By focusing on personal narratives and guided reflections, students reported significant improvements in personal confidence, stress management, and interpersonal connections within their teams. These initial findings support NDUR’s methodology as an adaptable model for promoting student wellness across various educational settings.
A Celebration of Achievement
The culmination of this successful semester was celebrated at Dick's House of Sport, an event attended by over 60 student-athletes, educators, and community stakeholders. The gathering celebrated the students' hard work and commitment to personal growth. Key highlights included:
- - A keynote address by NDUR Co-Founder Michael Carter-Williams, who shared insights on the importance of mental health in sports and education.
- - The presentation of Certificates of Achievement to outstanding student leaders who demonstrated exceptional commitment throughout the program.
- - Engaging team-building activities aimed at fostering deeper connections through shared storytelling.
According to Darren Orr, President of NDUR, the partnership with Boston Public Schools reaffirmed the incredible resilience and resourcefulness of Boston's student-athletes.