Semilla - planting the seeds of change for Puerto Rico

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The eco-bio-developmental (EBD) model of childhood development promotes the use of integrated evidence- based approaches for the prevention and management of adverse childhood experiences and toxic stress across the lifespan. The neurobehavioral effects of such exposures herald challenges in academic achievement, social interaction, and emotional wellbeing. Disproportionate effects of toxic stress in the learning process contributes to fewer students from under-represented and disadvantaged groups choosing to follow a career path towards Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). This gap is enhanced when there is a lack of or a poor level of coordination among service providers, and a buffering system for these at-risk students. By enhancing a child’s capacity to understand and communicate their needs with stakeholders, we aim to promote health agency both at the individual and community levels. The goal of Semilla is to engage children ages 9 – 12 years in the science of their own well-being. The expected broader impact of Semilla is a healthy community brought by children as agents of change for their own health, then that of their family and community. This change will be brought about by stepwise strengthening and iteration of relationships between education, science, medicine, and the community. Our activities flow from a focus on emotional wellness of participants to their whole-body wellness. As volunteers from the fields of science, education, and medicine enter into this process with children of their community, they too are changed. Our specific aims include: 1) Implementation of Semilla Curricula through Boys & Girls Clubs of Puerto Rico; 2) Recruitment, Training, and Deployment of a fellowship program for educators & scientists for current & sustained support of the whole body wellness of the Children of Puerto Rico; and 3) Development of a Clinical Community response to the Health & Wellness Needs of the children of Puerto Rico. The successful completion of Semilla will achieve a community of science where children from disadvantaged backgrounds can effectively communicate with professionals in training from various disciplines through a joint experience of scientific inquiry while the whole community moves toward better health.