Unlocking Potential: Creating a Support Program for Students with ADHD to Thrive in College

Jessica Franco, Success Guide & Peer Mentor
Turner Medlicott, Graduate Teaching Assistant
Frank Benefield, Assistant Director for Learning Strategies
Kimberly Rodgers, Director
Association for the Coaching and Tutoring Profession (ACTP)
Charlotte, NC
March 2024

Abstract:
The SHIELD (Students Honoring Individual Experiences and Learning Differences) program, conceived through collaborative efforts at UNC Charlotte, represents a pioneering approach to extending support beyond ADA accommodations for students diagnosed with ADHD.

In 2023, SHIELD began as a cohort within a transition initiative at Charlotte called the Forty-Niner Intensive Transition program that was further augmented by a two-credit hour course during the fall semester. The program aimed not just to facilitate adjustment but also to promote academic success and holistic student well-being. A pivotal aspect of both courses was the incorporation of peer mentors, who played a vital role in bridging the gap between students and the university experience. Their insights complemented the instructors’ guidance, offering a unique perspective on navigating campus life.

Identifying a crucial need for professional development for staff and peer leaders, a student leader formulated an adaptable training, ensuring accessibility for diverse audiences. This training focused on best practices in effectively supporting students with ADHD. The SHIELD pilot demonstrates the commitment of Charlotte in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students. This presentation seeks to showcase the development, implementation, and initial outcomes of this program, shedding light on the possibilities and challenges in advancing support services for students with ADHD.
[Link to Presentation]