RADical Hope and Middlebury Athletics Continue Partnership to Support First-Year Student-Athletes
Middlebury, VT — RADical Hope is proud to embark on its third year of partnership with Middlebury Athletics as the Panthers deliver RADical Health to their student-athletes. The sessions began on Sunday, January 4 and will continue each week through the month of January. A total of 639 Middlebury student-athletes, including the January 2026 cohort, have participated in RADical Health to date.
“We are thrilled to embark on our third RADical Health cohort. Student well-being is a priority at Middlebury College, and we’ve been fortunate to partner with RADical Hope to bring this impactful program to our first-year student-athletes,” said Ali Paquette, Assistant Director of Athletics, Middlebury College.
During Middlebury’s J-Term (January Term), every first-year student-athlete will take part in RADical Health’s peer-led program — a four-week experience designed to foster community, build resilience and equip students with tools to balance the demands of academics and athletics. The January 2026 cohort includes approximately 200 first-year student-athletes under the guidance of 34 upperclassmen student-athletes, all trained as peer facilitators.
“When we began, we were unsure about making it a required program. Our exit interviews over the last two years have illuminated how important it is to continue requiring RADical Health. While many first-years admit they would not have attended if it were not mandatory, almost 100% say they would still require it for the next class. This speaks volumes to the extraordinary colleagues at RADical Hope who have built such a wonderful and replicable program, as well as to all of our upperclassmen guides who’ve committed to mentoring the next class. It is an exciting time to kick off the next cohort, knowing we are contributing to building their network of peers, while bolstering the amazing resources we have on campus,” Paquette continued.
(above: Middlebury J-Term 2026 RADical Health Guides in peer facilitator training led by RADical Hope staff)
RADical Health was developed in consultation with behavioral health specialists, academic leaders, students and psychologists. It was first piloted in the fall of 2020 with New York University and after several successful pilots, the organization scaled the program nationally. Today, RADical Hope now works with more than 80 campuses and community organizations across the country and has supported tens of thousands of students.
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.