RADical Hope and Amherst College Continue Partnership to Support Student-Athletes
Amherst, MA — October 3 — RADical Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening connections and building resilience in young adults, is proud to celebrate four years of partnership with Amherst College. Since launching at Amherst in Spring 2022, RADical Health has become a cornerstone of the Amherst LEADS program, empowering nearly 800 student-athletes with essential life skills and a strong sense of community.
Through RADical Health, first-year student-athletes meet in peer-led groups where they build connections, share experiences, and develop practical tools to balance academics, athletics, and well-being. The program has quickly grown into a defining experience for Amherst student-athletes.
“As a freshman, I loved being part of the Radical Health program at Amherst,” shared one student-athlete, Flynn Venmore. “The short meetings encouraged me to step back and reflect on my experience as a college athlete through the lens of my well-being. The discussions created an environment where we could openly share the day-to-day challenges we all face, while also exploring new strategies for addressing them. This year, I am excited to be one of the many program leaders.”
Amherst’s continued partnership underscores the lasting impact of RADical Health. By providing students with evidence-based tools, safe spaces for dialogue and opportunities for peer guidance, the program has helped strengthen the Amherst student-athlete community and created a culture of belonging that extends well beyond the playing field.
“Now in our fourth year, all of our student-guides have gone through the program as participants,” said Jordan Hayslip, Amherst LEADS Program Coordinator. “It is inspiring to see how eager our guides are to step into leadership roles and give back to new first-year students and help them transition into college. I have to believe that this program is not only helping our students as individuals, but also strengthening our community as a whole.”
“We are honored to continue our partnership with Amherst College,” said MacKenzie Kelly, Director of Programs at RADical Hope. “The growth we’ve seen over the past four years – with students returning as Guides to lead others – is proof of the program’s power. Amherst’s commitment to cultivating leadership and community makes this collaboration especially meaningful.”
About RADical Hope
RADical Hope improves the lives and futures of young adults by strengthening connections and building resilience. Its signature program, RADical Health, empowers participants with skills to build resilience, manage stress and strengthen support systems so they’re equipped to cope before reaching a crisis point. All content, resources, training, and support are fully funded for partners. Learn more at www.radicalhopefoundation.org.