The “Lunchbox Talks” Program supports the social and emotional well-being of African American/Black male students by creating a safe space with a trusted adult. These sessions are offered on school campuses during lunchtime to a select group of students who school faculty identify as needing or could benefit from an African American Black male mentor/coach. These sessions take place once a week during the school day for 30-minutes and provide the following benefits: 1) Hold space for African American/Black male students to be heard, feel that they belong, and feel safe with an adult; 2) Support students with the components of social and emo:onal wellbeing. These components include self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. These are cri:cal life skills that these students must have in order to be successful in life; finally, 3) provide culturally responsive mentorship. African American/Black male students need and desire to have consistent, trusting relationships with other African American/Black male adults. We believe “you can’t be, what you can’t see.”

The presence of the “Lunchbox Talks” coaches/mentors on campuses can decrease negative behavior such as bullying, increase positive attitudes and decision-making, and improve school attendance and grades. Focusing on social-emotional wellness also decreases the likelihood of criminal justice involvement later in life (McGraw Hill Social Emotional Learning Report, 2018).