Dr. Talma Shultz Expanding the Nation ImaginED™ Program in San Diego Fall 2026
Expanding Mental Health Access to Spanish-Speaking First-Generation and Immigrant Youth
When I launched the Nation ImaginED™ Abriendo Caminos program in Los Angeles four years ago, I never would have imagined the impact this program would have on the lives of Spanish-speaking first-generation and immigrant youth.
The energy in the room today is electric.
We are in our 6th week of our program that launched in Escondido, California in partnership with Project Next. The program supporting mental health and personal wellbeing. We have created a space where immigrant youth are stepping up, building community and discovering the power of their own voices. A space where youth acquire the tools needed for thriving in spite of the challenges they face.
When you partner with us you are participating in providing a young person an opportunity to explore their identity, find their strengths, create habits that prevent mental health crises and messages to the youth that a fulfilling life is possible also for them.
These are the experiences directly from youth in the program and what they had to say six weeks into the program:
“Finding my strengths shows me that I have value.”
“Understanding how I develop calms me.”
“I can manage the way I think and feel confident.”
“That we need to value every part of ourselves: our values, history and dreams.”
How did those words move you? Are you touched by the desire young people have to succeed and maintain their mental health?
Or, do you recognize this as your story or that of your family members?
We need your partnership and support to sponsor this 20-hour program.
I invite you to schedule time with me here or reach out at talma.shultz@nationimagined.org for us to explore partnership and collaboration opportunities.
I would love to connect!
Dr. Talma Shultz, Executive Director
