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Kelowna, BC

Samantha Barg

I am a Clinical Psychology Ph.D. student at UBC Okanagan with a strong interest in youth mental health, community-based care, and improving access to mental health support. My work has included supporting children, youth, and families, coordinating community-based mental health research, and working with women and children fleeing violence. I am especially passionate about creating practical, preventative programs that help young people build skills, feel connected, and access support earlier. Through the Sprout Fellowship, I hope to bring together my clinical training, research experience, and community involvement to help create meaningful and accessible opportunities for youth in Kelowna.

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Echo Youth: Set to Thrive

Echo Youth: Set to Thrive is a free, community-based youth program in Kelowna designed to make early mental health support more accessible. In response to long waitlists, financial barriers, and gaps in early intervention, the program brings youth together through volleyball, meals, peer connection, and interactive workshops focused on mental health skill-building. Led by clinical psychology graduate students and community partners, the program creates a welcoming space where youth can connect and strengthen their self-efficacy and well-being.

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About this Project

Communities Served

My project will involve and/or impact the following communities:

    United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

    When it comes to community impact projects, the UN has created 17 Sustainable Development Goals. These are the Sustainable Development Goals associated with my project.

      How the project works

      From October to December 2026, Echo Youth: Set to Thrive will deliver six youth workshops combining volleyball skills labs, free nutritious meals, and interactive mental health activities. Workshop topics, including body image and emotional regulation, will reflect areas youth have identified as important to their well-being.

      Project Impact

      Echo Youth: Set to Thrive will increase access to early, preventative mental health support by creating a free and engaging space for youth to build practical skills, confidence, and social connection. By integrating mental health education, physical activity, and nutritious meals, the program also aims to reduce barriers related to cost, food insecurity, and limited access to supportive community programming.

      Project Mission

      Echo Youth: Set to Thrive aims to improve equitable access to early mental health support for youth in Kelowna. Its goals are to build practical coping skills, strengthen self-efficacy and social connection, reduce barriers to preventative care, and support overall well-being through free, youth-centered programming that integrates mental health education, physical activity, and nutritious food.

      Project Team

      Echo Youth is designed and led by 4 clinical psychology Ph.D. students from the University of British Columbia Okanagan who are passionate about youth mental health and access to supportive programming.

      • Samantha Barg Kassandra Roul Erin Fraser Kristen Zentner