As part of the HOPE at SDSU initiative, the SPI team has recently launched HOPE Pilots to test implementation of the HOPE Framework at a university level. Consistent with Implementation Science, the first of these pilots occurred during the 2024-2025 academic year in a social work classroom, conducted by a HOPE-enthusiast instructor. “HOPE” stands for Healthy Outcomes form Positive Experiences, and is a framework developed by the HOPE National Resource Center.
The purpose of the classroom pilot was to explore how intentional integration of the HOPE framework can enhance student well-being and foster self-advocacy to choose positive experiences — particularly among future helping professionals. The pilot focused on reducing stress and burnout while increasing engagement and relational connection in the classroom. Pilot activities involved updating the HOPE Building Block definitions to adapt them to a university setting. Additionally, a series of HOPE-aligned activities tailored for classroom use were implemented, with the goal of fostering positive experiences that strengthen student well-being and academic engagement.
This pilot project’s insights and results are now available in a Classroom Pilot Brief HERE.
