Jennifer conducted group therapy with 5 adolescents in an at-risk school using Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Group therapy focused on coping skills for life, including anger management. Participants also engaged in craft activities, played Quidditch, and were sorted into Hogwarts houses using Pottermore.com.

As a result of the program:

• 4 out of 5 participants are on track to finish at least one grade level by May
• 5 out of 5 participants achieved a behavior score of at least 80 for two consecutive months
• 3 out of 5 participants had no more than 1 day in in-school suspension per month
• 1 participant was observed demonstrating a new coping skill in the classroom
• 4 out of 5 participants reported using a new coping skill outside of the classroom

“As a result of participating in this program, I was able to get to know a population of children that are often misunderstood as being ‘bad’ kids. I learned that these at-risk youth are children who face a lot of challenges and take on responsibilities at home that the average child does not—so much so that going to school every day is a big accomplishment. I plan on using my experience with the fellowship to contribute to the knowledge base within the counseling profession about at-risk youth and using literature in therapy. I would not have had this opportunity without the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship.”