Transitions to Adulthood Center for Research

05/22/2026

NAMIWalks 2026 was a blast and we were so glad The CIRC Center had a chance to get out in the community and show up for those navigating mental health challenges. Thank you, NAMI, for putting on a wonderful community building event! For more ways to get connected with your community, follow and subscribe to TransitionsACR for more CIRC Center content.

NAMI Massachusetts UMass Chan Medical School Massachusetts Department of Mental Health

05/11/2026

Calling all Career & Technical Education (CTE) students & families WE NEED YOU!

The Learning & Working RRTC at UMass Chan Medical School is recruiting participants to help improve support for students with mental health conditions in CTE programs.

We are currently scheduling focus groups for the month of May. Keep reading to learn more about Fueling Success and sign up to participate.

Who Can Participate?
Students over 18 with lived experience of an emotional disturbance or mental health condition who have taken at least one CTE class in high school
Parents/caregivers of students with an emotional disturbance or mental health condition who have taken at least one CTE class in high school

What’s Involved?
Join a 1-hour virtual focus group—choose from:
Students only
Parents/caregivers only
Students and families together
Participants who complete the focus group will receive a $50 gift card for their time!

Visit our website to learn more and complete the interest form. https://www.umassmed.edu/TransitionsACR/research/center-grants/learning-working-rrtc-2024-2029/lw-study-recruitment/cte/

04/29/2026

There is still time to register for our upcoming webinar with Dr. Michelle Mullen:
Wait...What’s Due Now? Inside Cognitive Overload and the White-Knuckle Effect Among College Students with Mental Health Conditions

Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. EDT

Learn how executive functioning challenges contribute to higher dropout rates among students with mental health conditions, and discover the evidence-based FSST program—designed to build compensatory skills, enhance self-regulation, and boost academic persistence for student success.

Join Us for our Virtual Webinar via Zoom: Wait...What’s Due Now? Inside Cognitive Overload and the White-Knuckle Effect Among College Students with Mental Health Conditions

Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. EDT

Presented by Michelle G. Mullen, PhD

This webinar highlights how under-refined executive functioning skills affect academic persistence for students with mental health conditions. Dr. Mullen will introduce The White Knuckle Effect, an alternate explanation for why students with mental health conditions experience higher dropout rates than other student groups and Focused Skills & Strategies Training (FSST), a 12-session, evidence-based intervention that builds compensatory executive functioning strategies.

Register Today using the registration link: https://umassmed.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1iNoyN2AQMWymjC2xqyPDw

04/14/2026

We are so excited to be at the NARRTC 2026 Conference to share about our How Do YOU Do Community research study. Thank you to those who attended our presentation!

And don't forget to follow TransitionsACR for more CIRC Center content!

04/08/2026

Join Us for our Virtual Webinar via Zoom: Wait...What’s Due Now? Inside Cognitive Overload and the White-Knuckle Effect Among College Students with Mental Health Conditions

Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. EDT

Presented by Michelle G. Mullen, PhD

This webinar highlights how under-refined executive functioning skills affect academic persistence for students with mental health conditions. Dr. Mullen will introduce The White Knuckle Effect, an alternate explanation for why students with mental health conditions experience higher dropout rates than other student groups and Focused Skills & Strategies Training (FSST), a 12-session, evidence-based intervention that builds compensatory executive functioning strategies.

Register Today using the registration link: https://umassmed.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1iNoyN2AQMWymjC2xqyPDw

04/02/2026

You can now view the recording of our webinar, "From Outreach to Shared Leadership: Expanding Collaborations with Young Adults with Lived Expertise," on our website and our YouTube channel. Link below. Already saw the webinar? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Link to webinars page on our website: https://buff.ly/tgp8TOw

And don't forget to follow TransitionsACR for more CIRC Center content!

03/25/2026

is our March Newsletter featuring the latest Webinar Recording, Study Recruitment, New YA Blog & Comic, and more.

Read it here:

Email from Transitions ACR Youth & Young Adult Mental Health Research & Resources Share This Email Share This Email View as Webpage March 2026 Newsletter ABOUT US EDUCATION RESEARCH WEBINARS PODCAST I

02/25/2026

The Learning & Working RRTC - Using Lights to Manage Mental Health

Winter can feel overwhelming, but shifting your perspective can make it more manageable. Jonathan from the Learning and Working RRTC shares insightful tips on using light therapy to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Check out our blog on managing mental health with light therapy here and the Mayo Clinic's expert insights on SAD treatment.

Blog: https://buff.ly/jhUwzbq
Mayo Clinic: https://buff.ly/ZjZ3jr7

And don't forget to follow TransitionsACR for more Learning and Working RRTC content.

01/27/2026

Third places (or spaces) can be a key component in bringing communities together or even forging new ones. Let's work together to protect these spaces and keep them alive! Let us know what your favorite third place is in the comments.

You can learn more about third places/spaces here: https://buff.ly/jUIqioA

And don't forget to follow TransitionsACR for more CIRC Center content!

01/27/2026

Just in time for January is National Financial Wellness Month, our latest Adulting Shorts comic "Money Moves - Zero Based Budgeting Made Easy" offers a visually engaging, concise guide to zero-based budgeting.

Created by the Learning & Working RRTC, it's designed to support young adults and those transitioning to independence. The comic breaks down the steps of zero-based budgeting in an accessible and relatable way, helping readers gain confidence and control over their finances. 💵

Check it out, the link in the comments below👇