Strategically planned to personally support these youth thought leaders, and those they interact with through the stressful period of adolescent and young adult development, BHS aims to normalize and destigmatize their lived brain health and illness experiences and to share the science of brain health and performance. “Being a Scholar has enhanced my ability to work in teams, discuss sensitive issues among others, collect data as a researcher and conduct surveys for those in my community," said another student. "Through this program I have learned more about myself with respect to my own personal mental health, and the various perspectives of those around me.”

Further, BHS is designed to give students a leg up in the college and scholarship application process. Peabody goes on to say, the progam ultimately hopes to inspire these Scholars to continue to pursue future careers in Health Science such as clinicians, scholars, advocates, innovators, educators or in other related capacities. "We have had many requests to expand this program and to create Brain Health Scholar chapters in other cities," she says, "and to create partnership with multiple esteemed college and universities which will serve as great paths for the students entering and developing Life Science careers."

In addition, the Scholars learn how to translate the science into action to impact themselves and those they care about. "And our plan has worked," says Peabody. "Many Scholars from the Pilot not only integrated the science into their own lifestyle but influenced the thoughts and behaviors of their peers and family members related to protecting their own brain health, and preventing and fighting brain illness."

Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation is the main sponsor of the Brain Health Scholar Program.