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Description

At-risk youth experience many barriers that may impact their participation in daily life activities, development in life skills, and opportunities for them to create positive social connections. This doctoral capstone project explored the role of occupational therapy within a community- based setting and the development and implementation at the Philosophic Systems Institute/ Alamito STREAM Center in El Paso, Texas. The program's purpose was to provide at-risk middle school youth with practical life skills that can help promote independence and lifelong success in everyday life.

This project was guided by the Person Environment Occupation (PEO) Model. This six-week life skills program covered topics such as time management, laundry and chores, goal setting, grocery shopping, and meal preparation. As for program outcomes, they were evaluated through observation, open-ended questions, and informal interviews with participants and their parents.

These qualitative findings emerged with five themes related to responsibilities and independence, social connections and support, life skills and confidence, time management and responsibilities, and a safe and supportive environment. These experiences demonstrate that a supportive environment encourages stronger engagement and relationship building. Overall, this capstone project demonstrates the value of occupational therapy in a community-based setting and the importance of therapeutic use of self, meaningful relationships, and life skills training in supporting at-risk youth.

Publication Date

2026

Keywords

At-Risk Youth, Community-based, Life Skills

Disciplines

Occupational Therapy

Comments

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Fierro 

Capstone Site: Philosophic Systems Institute/ Alamito STREAM Center 

Empowering Youth: Building Life Skills for a Brighter Future

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