The “Why U Mad?” School Program

Overview

The Why U Mad? Foundation partners with schools to provide a powerful in-school program designed to help students develop emotional awareness, self-control, and leadership skills.
Our 8–12 week program creates a structured space for students to reflect, grow, and learn positive tools to manage emotions and make better decisions — both inside and outside the classroom.

Each session builds character, confidence, and community while helping students see that emotions are not weaknesses to hide, but strengths to understand and use wisely.

What Students Will Learn

Throughout the program, students will explore and master key life skills such as:

  • Emotional Awareness & Regulation: Understanding triggers, stress responses, and healthy coping tools.

  • Conflict Resolution: Learning to de-escalate tension, communicate effectively, and make better choices.

  • Accountability & Self-Discipline: Recognizing how personal actions shape outcomes.

  • Positive Identity & Self-Worth: Building confidence through purpose, values, and responsibility.

  • Goal Setting & Growth Mindset: Creating tangible goals for behavior, academics, and relationships.

  • Leadership & Service: Empowering students to become role models and changemakers in their schools.

What Students Will Gain

By the end of the program, students will:

  • Develop emotional intelligence and self-awareness.

  • Reduce behavioral issues, detentions, and referrals.

  • Improve communication with teachers, peers, and family.

  • Strengthen leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

  • Gain motivation to excel academically and personally.

  • Leave with a renewed sense of direction, confidence, and pride.

  • Scholarship at the end of the program

Who the Program Is For

This program is designed for:

  • Students who have faced behavioral or emotional challenges.

  • Youth identified as needing additional support with communication or conflict resolution.

  • Students transitioning through difficult life or school phases.

  • Young leaders who can influence their peers positively once given the right tools.

Our mission is not to punish—but to transform frustration into focus and anger into awareness.

Program Duration & Structure

  • Length: 8–12 weeks

  • Session Time: 60 minutes per week (during or after school)

  • Facilitators: Certified mentors and program leaders trained through the Why U Mad? Foundation.

  • Format: Small group sessions (8–15 students) with interactive discussions, guided journaling, real-life scenarios, and group reflection.

Each session follows a consistent structure:

  1. Check-In & Reflection – Students share wins and challenges from the week.

  2. Lesson & Activity – Core topic for the session (e.g., triggers, communication, empathy).

  3. Group Discussion – Open dialogue that connects lessons to real life.

  4. Goal Setting – Students create one tangible goal for the week.

  5. Closing Affirmation – Building unity, confidence, and motivation to apply what’s learned.

Program Impact

Schools that partner with the Why U Mad? Foundation see:

  • Noticeable improvements in student behavior and engagement.

  • Decreased disciplinary referrals.

  • Increased empathy and collaboration among students.

  • Stronger school culture centered around emotional wellness and accountability. 

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Geoffrey Griffin
Executive Director, Mentor