Leadership, Empowerment, Advocacy Project (LEAP): College Education for Recovery and Transformative Change in Community Mental Health

Abstract

The Leadership, Empowerment, Advocacy Project (LEAP) students represented a heterogeneous groups of individuals commonly referred to as consumers/ peers who deal daily with severe and persistent mental health disorders and/or substance use disorders. They are often ostracized and marginalized and lack the same opportunities and supportive resources for advanced educational attainment as others. Over three semesters, LEAP prepared students with knowledge and tools to develop leadership skills as future leaders and volunteers within the mental health community and the consumer movement. This radical strategy created recovery and empowerment by producing an optimistic future for students that reflects personal goals of improved quality of life, a reduction in mental health symptoms, and the achievement of valued social roles.