ProjectConnect, run by student facilitators, seeks to build connections between students.
The Wellness Center is beginning a social connection building program called ProjectConnect, which will meet once a week, run by student facilitators.
ProjectConnect is a program developed for workplaces and colleges to help develop connections between community members, especially in places where the community struggles with mental health, social isolation, and burnout.
The program was developed by Jessica Gifford, a graduate of Smith College with a master’s degree in social work. The program has worked with other schools in the Five College Consortium, Amherst College and Smith College; as well as Tufts University, Brandeis University, and Harvard University.
ProjectConnect claims that over the course of its six 1-hour sessions, participants “reduce loneliness [and] establish meaningful friendships.” It has been used by over 75 campuses, and reports that 98% of participants would recommend the program to a friend, and 95% would participate in the program again.
Students interested in signing up can fill out the form here.
