About
An Upstream Approach
4 What’s Next is a primary prevention program that builds psychological resiliency in students to help bridge the gap between now and next. 4 What’s Next provides skills to handle stress and distress now and in their future.
The Framework
The 4 What’s Next Framework aims to teach students how to effectively handle distress by “reaching in” and utilizing independent coping strategies, “reaching out” by seeking and accepting help outside of themselves, or a combination of the two. This process is followed by an assessment of how well their chosen coping method is working and encourages them to reevaluate if needed.
Program Goals
By learning and applying the 4 What’s Next Framework to their own lives, students will
- Identify individual manifestations of distress
- Understand how internal and external stressors impact mental health, and
- Build resilience by learning specific actions to improve mental wellness
Learning Modules
Over the course of 5 modules, students will understand what distress looks like for them and develop or strengthen an internal locus of control related to their mental health and emotional wellbeing. They will gain skills for psychological resiliency such as coping skills and help-seeking, and learn how to apply these skills to better manage conflict, time, and money as examples.
Maximizing Impact
4 What’s Next is a universal program that was designed to resonate with every student preparing for the transition beyond high school. It can be implemented in a variety of settings including high school classes, peer leader organizations, youth service agencies, school clubs, youth groups, sports teams, and more.