We teach the science‑backed skills of Connection, Purpose, and Meaning so young adults—and the communities around them—can thrive.
The Crisis (why this work matters now)
Life today is engineered for attention, not fulfillment. Infinite feeds, performance metrics, and busy calendars crowd out friendship, purpose, and reflection. Anxiety and loneliness rise while progress feels strangely hollow.
By the numbers (selected findings):
Young adults report the highest rates of depression and anxiety among any age group; counseling demand is up across campuses.
Heavy social‑media use is linked with higher depression risk; attention is increasingly fragmented by design.
Social isolation carries health risks on par with major lifestyle factors; isolation is rising across age groups.
Employee engagement remains stubbornly low, while “workism” ties identity—and fragility—to career alone.
Our diagnosis: The crisis isn’t a lack of meaning. It’s maladaptive meaning—young people are unconsciously using cultural scripts (status, comparison, consumption) that contradict human biology.
The Antidote (what changes outcomes)
Skills, not slogans. Reorientation translates research into practical, repeatable behaviors that align with how humans are built.
Foundations
Stabilize energy and attention so change sticks: consistent sleep, daily movement, phone‑free focus blocks, and recovery habits.
The Three Pillars
Connection: Build and keep close friendships fast (anchoring relationships, weekly check‑ins, contribution with others).
Purpose: Aim effort at goals that help you and others (strengths → service, micro‑commitments, experiments that compound).
Meaning: Make sense of life and grow (weekly reflection, values → behaviors, narrative reframes after setbacks).
The Method
Awareness → Alignment → Action. Notice your current orientation, align with evidence‑based principles, and practice small actions that compound into a life that works.
What institutions see: higher belonging and engagement, healthier help‑seeking, and improved persistence. What families and young adults see: more real friends, clearer direction, and daily practices that feel doable.
The Team
Dr. Justin Freedman — Professor, special‑education advocate, and community‑builder. Justin’s work centers students who need someone in their corner and designs systems that help them flourish.
Dr. A.J. Ernst — Professor, former teacher and principal, columnist, and policy analyst focused on access and equity. A.J. designs programs that turn research into practical tools for students and institutions.
Advisors & Partners — We collaborate with campus leaders, counselors, and student‑life teams to localize delivery and measurement.
