Stephanie B, a StreetSquash 10th-grader, completed a two-week pre-college program at Brown University during the summer, returning to Harlem with a community action plan focused on neurological health awareness.

Stephanie attended the university to participate in a course titled “Conflict Transformation: Leadership in a Divided World.” The class focused on universal conflict resolution rules, social justice, and global issues.

It is a dream for Stephanie to attend Brown University after graduating high school.

“Brown has an open curriculum that I really like,” Stephanie said. “It just gives you the opportunity to fully put yourself into what interests you.”

The pre-college class curriculum required students to analyze historical and current global conflicts while learning to ensure all voices are heard regardless of power dynamics.

“Whenever I’m in a conflict, my position or another person’s position shouldn’t matter,” Stephanie said. “Whatever the problem is should be resolved without using forces or power.”

As a final project, each participant developed a community action plan. Recognizing a lack of awareness regarding neurological disorders among local youth, Stephanie chose to focus on educating Harlem teenagers about seizures and epilepsy. The initiative aims to reduce stigma and teach appropriate medical emergency responses.

“I chose to work on helping teenagers become more medically aware because in my community here in Harlem, there’s a lot of teenagers who aren’t aware of medical emergencies,” Stephanie explained. “Seizures are like a neurological disorder that aren’t represented or talked about a lot. I just want to create a program where people can learn more without being judgmental.”

To support this effort, Stephanie collaborated on a video project designed to increase epilepsy awareness within the local community.

Beyond the classroom, the program provided an early look at college life. Stephanie resided in a university dorm, managed a daily schedule of 2.5-hour classes, and participated in campus activities such as trivia nights and weekend train trip to Newport Beach.

The venture also offered an opportunity to get on the squash court. Stephanie practiced at Brown’s PVD Squash Center, the same facility utilized by SquashBusters Providence. During these sessions, she shared the court with members of the Brown University women’s varsity squash team.

“That was really fun,” Stephanie said. “I feel like I could be on their team, honestly.”

The experience allowed the 10th-grader to build time management skills and form lasting friendships while preparing for higher education.

“College is fun,” Stephanie said. “Just have good time management, and you’ll be able to learn a lot while making some of the best memories of your life.”