Level Up Program

Level Up Program: Building Skills, Connections, and Well-Being

We are excited to launch the inaugural year of the Level Up Program for the 2026-2027 program year!

The Level Up Program is a free youth development and wellness program designed for 8th-12th grade students in Hays County. Through engaging workshops, hands-on activities, service opportunities, and peer connections, participants can explore topics that support their overall well-being while earning badges, collectible pins, and recognition along the way.

This program is brought to you by the SMTX Mental Health Coalition, the Healthy Hays Coalition Youth Mental Health Workgroup, and Cenikor Foundation as part of a proactive approach to supporting youth mental health. Rather than waiting until young people experience a mental health challenges, Level Up focuses on building protective factors that help youth thrive, including social connections, life skills, resilience, community engagement, and a strong sense of belonging.

Throughout the program year, participants will have opportunities to connect with peers, trusted adults, and community resources while exploring topics such as stress management, healthy relationships, self-esteem, coping skills, financial wellness, and community involvement. By participating in workshops across five learning categories, youth can strengthen their skills, expand their support networks, and discover resources that contribute to their success and well-being.

Whether you attend a few workshops or work toward earning the highest Level Up badge, every step is an opportunity to learn, grow, connect, and level up.

Eligibility 

• The program is open to 8th-12th grade age youth in Hays County.

• Participants may join at any time during the program.

• The program year runs from October 2026-May 2027

Workshop Attendance 

• Registration is required for all workshops.

• Participants earn credit by attending the entire workshop.

• Check in and Check out are required to receive workshop credit.  This will go towards earning your badges in the Level Up Program.

• Each workshop counts once toward badge progress.

• You earn a unique pin for each workshop you attend.

• Participants who arrive more than 20 minutes after the event begins or leave before the event concludes may not receive workshop credit. 

• Workshops will typically be about 2hours in length.

  • Youth also have an opportunity to earn service hours for arriving 30mins before and after to help set up and clean up after an event.  This can range from 1-2hrs of service. 

Workshop categories

Every workshop falls into one of the five Learning Categories:

1. Health & Wellness

2. Social Connections

3. Financial Wellness

4. Life Skills

5. Community Engagement 

Workshop Flexibility 

• Participants are not required to attend workshops in a specific order.

• Missing a workshop does not prevent participants from continuing in the program. Participants may attend workshops from any category and in any order.

• However, they must meet badge requirements to earn badges in the Level Up Program.

Progress Tracking

Each participant’s progress is tracked through:

• Registration for each event is required

• Each youth is responsible for keep track of the workshops they attend by completing the Level Up Program Tracker.

Examples of some topic areas that will be covered within the 5 categories:

• Pressure of Substance Use 

• Mental Health Basics + Stigma

• Emotions & Stress Management

• Social Media & Self- Esteem

• Relationships & Communication

• Coping Skills & Resilience 

• When to Seek Help + Resources 

Badge Requirements & Workshop Pins

Explorer

• Attend 3 workshops.

• From any category.

Achiever

• Attend 6 workshops.

• From any category.

Skill master

• Attend 9 workshops.

• At least 3 different Learning Categories must be represented.

Wellness Champion 

• Attend 15 workshops.

• Attend at least one workshop from each Learning Category. 

Workshop pins

Every workshop has its own themed collectible pin.

• Participants receive one pin for every workshop they attend.

• Each pin represents that workshop’s topic or theme.

• Pins can be displayed on a lanyard, backpack, or collector card.

Recognition

To celebrate participants’ achievements and recognize their commitment throughout the program:

• Pins are awarded at the end of each workshop.  Each workshop will have a unique pin and will only be available during that workshop. 

• Participants who earn badges in the Level Up Program will receive their badge and certificate of completion at our annual Vibrant Visions event in May 2027.