Hoover Aspen Challenge

Overview: We addressed youth mental health issues by developing digital resources created by our team of teens to focus on that corresponding demographic. The Covid-19 pandemic was devastating, and it played a big role in causing a mental health crisis across the country, preventing us from connecting with our friends, attending school, and creating communities, including many on this team from Hoover.

Project Initiation: All AoIT students were introduced to the Aspen Challenge through their English classes.  The team was selected after meeting the team coaches. The team understood the concentrated timeline for completing the project and jelled quickly to meet their deadlines. The Aspen Challenge launch revealed the challenges the students could select, and our team quickly focused on mental health. The authenticity of the project is exhibited in the fact that these students and their friends deal with stress and various mental health issues, and the wanted a tool that was teen friendly to help. Their product provides real-world, real-time assistance for teens and adults.

Project Exploration and Development: As the team began researching, they understood that they and others like them were struggling with their mental health and had tried to regulate themselves by downloading meditation apps. However, these top apps were developed for fully matured adults, programmed with language and behavior that may not appeal or connect to a younger client. The M.I.N.D. team's strategy was to create original computer programming with the incorporation of teen content generated by teens for teens utilizing student music, mediations, PSA’s, photography, art, video and audios. They also provided scenario-based prompts and teen-based vocabulary to let users know that the developers are also the users. Throughout the project students developed their research skills, web design and programming skills, marketing skills, and public presentation skills.

Project Revision and Exhibition: The M.I.N.D team was diverse in their grade level, gender, and ethnic background, resulting in a robust collection of ideas, areas of strength and weaknesses, and impact to a wider community. Each member was responsible for different aspects of the project: computer programming, marketing, collaborations with other organizations, and storyboarding. They enhanced productivity by leveraging collaborative platforms for material, digital design, and project development. Timely reviews and creations helped improve the product. Beta testing garnered feedback to incorporate more teen-generated content. Regular meetings facilitated collaboration, ensuring progress of the mental health app. 

Teachers and Subjects: Jack Wetzel - Comp Sci, Ellen Towers - History

Industry Sector: Aspen Challenge Project