Levels of Support

Matching students’ needs to the optimal amount of support and structure are crucial to creating an environment where young adults thrive.

Too little structure can leave young adults floundering, isolating, and feeling overwhelmed often resulting in feelings of shame as they lose confidence in their ability to make progress.

On the other hand, there is such thing as too much of a good thing. The last thing a young adult wants is unnecessary structure. Too much externally imposed structure can leave young adults feeling controlled and even punished for experiencing challenges as they try to find their footing in the adult world. Unnecessary and unwelcomed support can lead to students being more resistive, dismissing advice and feedback, going underground or avoiding contact with support members.

Instead of predetermined levels or program stages, we utilize an ongoing process of evaluation aimed at keeping us in the student’s “sweet spot” for optimal growth.