YouthWell Mentor Virtual Sessions: Academic Stress

Mentor Sessions: Academic Stress

Teen-led. Expert-supported.

Academic stress is real, and it doesn’t stop after high school. Students today are balancing coursework, tests, college applications, and expectations, often without clear tools for managing the pressure that comes with it.

This Mentor Session brings together college students from across the country and a licensed therapist to share honest perspectives on academic stress. Student speakers will reflect on their experiences in high school and college, what helped them cope, what didn’t, and what they wish they had known earlier. A mental health professional will help students understand the difference between stress and distress and share practical, accessible coping strategies.

This free, virtual session is designed to normalize the conversation around academic pressure, offer real-world tools, and help students feel supported as they navigate demanding academic environments.

What to expect:

• Real stories from college students who have been there

• Practical tools for managing academic stress and anxiety

• Guidance on recognizing when to seek additional support

• A supportive, youth-centered space for learning and reflection

Date: Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Time: 5:45–7:15 PM
Location: Virtual (Zoom link provided after registration)
Audience: Youth ages 14–24 across Santa Barbara County
Cost: Free