AWARE Lab
What is AWARE ?
AWARE grew out of stories we heard from Asian-American young women – diverse individuals who are traversing two worlds (the mainstream American culture and their parents’ culture) while navigating the challenges of young adulthood. Specifically, the AWARE study seeks to improve the mental and sexual health of Chinese-American, Vietnamese-American or Korean-American young women in a manner that is sensitive to their unique cultural experiences and challenges. It is comprised of group therapy sessions, interviews, as well as encouragement through daily secure text messages, called “AWARE Stories.” Our work is dedicated to the women we’ve interviewed, as well as all Asian-American young women, with the hope that they will grasp their inherent worth and beauty, as well as grow in resilience and empowerment.
This intervention is integrative, holistic, and innovative. It was developed by Boston University, School of Social Work and is funded by National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). (Funding number: 1R34MH0999-01A1).
AWARE Training Certificate
AWARE now has a training certificate program for social workers, mental health counselors, advisors, and education professionals to support and empower young Asian-American women. The purpose of the program is to focus on the cultural, familial, and racial factors that need to be taken into consideration in order for this population to utilize mental health care and aims to accomplish the following objectives:
- Recognize the unique and multidimensional challenges that affect the mental health of Asian American women
- Discover how to lead an AWARE group sessions using the provided leader’s guide
- Apply skills to empower Asian American women to unlock their full potential and have healthy and productive lives
AWARE in College
AWARE has been conducted at Harvard University, Wellesley College, and Boston University.
Testimony from participants:
Through AWARE, my eyes and heart are opened.
Through AWARE, I can understand my parents better.
With AWARE, I hope to build a stronger family.
Through AWARE, I hope to become a happy person.
Because of AWARE, I know that I am not useless.
Because of AWARE, I know that I deserve love.
AWARE in High School
AWARE has been implemented in Princeton High School for Asian American boys and girls.
Student Testimony
“I didn’t remember what I did in class that day, but I remember every single AWARE lesson plan. Learning happens outside the classroom”
“It doesn’t matter ‘how’ Asian you are, but I learned that no matter how much or little Asian you are, AWARE helped with identity formation and how the Asian side of my family played a role in who I am, shaping my experience.”