This project focuses on the development of a curriculum for a Peer Mentorship class aimed at young adults with developmental disabilities. The curriculum will empower participants to develop leadership, communication, and mentorship skills, while fostering supportive peer relationships. The project will provide university students with the opportunity to create a meaningful and inclusive educational program that enhances the self-advocacy and social skills of individuals with developmental disabilities. 

Objectives: 

1. Develop a Comprehensive Peer Mentorship Curriculum: Design a structured program that teaches young adults with developmental disabilities how to be effective peer mentors. 
2. Promote Social and Emotional Learning: Incorporate lessons that enhance communication, empathy, teamwork, and conflict resolution skills. 
3. Foster Leadership and Self-Advocacy: Help participants build confidence and leadership skills that empower them to take active roles in their communities. 
4. Adapt for Diverse Learning Needs: Ensure that the curriculum is accessible and tailored to the cognitive and communication needs of individuals with developmental disabilities. 
5. Create Engaging Activities: Develop interactive and engaging exercises, role-plays, and group discussions that allow participants to practice mentorship skills in real-life scenarios.  

Project Phases: 

Research and Needs Assessment (Weeks 1–3): 

• Conduct research on existing peer mentorship programs and best practices for teaching young adults with developmental disabilities. 
• Engage with stakeholders, including instructors, disability advocates, and young adults with developmental disabilities, to understand their needs and goals for the program if possible. 

Curriculum Development (Weeks 4–7): 

• Design the curriculum, including identifying key skills and lessons to be covered. 
• Develop interactive activities and role-plays that align with the learning objectives. 

Feedback and Iteration (Weeks 8–9): 

• Share a draft of the curriculum with stakeholders for feedback and suggestions. 
• Revise and refine the curriculum based on feedback. 

Finalization and Presentation (Weeks 10–12): 

• Finalize the curriculum, including lesson plans, materials, and assessment tools. 
• Present the completed curriculum to Resilient Hearts and any other relevant stakeholders. 
• Provide recommendations for implementing the curriculum in classroom settings if applicable

Project Deliverables: 

Peer Mentorship Curriculum: 

• A detailed outline of the course content, including key topics, learning objectives, and a suggested timeline for each lesson. 
• Lesson plans that cover core mentorship skills, such as active listening, communication, empathy, giving and receiving feedback, and problem-solving. 

Instructional Materials: 

• Worksheets, handouts, and visual aids to support lesson delivery. 
• Accessible materials that cater to different learning styles and levels of ability. 

Interactive Learning Activities: 

• Group activities, role-playing scenarios, and peer-to-peer exercises that help students practice mentorship skills in a safe environment. 
• Icebreakers and team-building exercises to build rapport among participants. 

Assessment Tools (if possible): 

• Pre- and post-class surveys to evaluate changes in participants’ confidence, communication, and leadership skills. 
• Rubrics or checklists for evaluating progress and providing feedback to participants. 

Learning Outcomes for Students: 

• Understanding Inclusive Education: Gain experience in designing curricula for students with diverse learning needs. 
• Leadership and Communication Skills: Learn how to translate complex ideas into simple, accessible concepts for young adults with developmental disabilities. 
• Collaboration: Work as a team to develop a curriculum that meets both educational and social-emotional learning objectives. 
• Practical Application: Experience the process of developing a real-world curriculum that will be implemented in an educational setting. 

Assessment Criteria: 

• Quality of Curriculum: How well does the curriculum cover key mentorship skills and support the development of young adults with developmental disabilities? 
• Accessibility: Are the materials and activities designed to accommodate different learning styles and levels of ability? 
• Engagement: Are the lessons and activities interactive and engaging for participants? 
• Impact: How well do the assessment tools measure participants' progress in developing mentorship and leadership skills? 

This project will provide university students with a rewarding opportunity to contribute to the personal and social development of young adults with developmental disabilities, while learning the fundamentals of curriculum design and inclusive education.