BU Wheelock Forum: Thriving in the Middle School Years

It’s a period of rapid developmental and social shifts that can be challenging for young adolescents and their families, teachers, and communities. But as those who care for and work with students in middle school can attest, it’s also a time of joy, resilience, and an emerging sense of self. The 2025 BU Wheelock Forum examines the deficit narrative of early adolescence that has resulted in youth ages 10–15 being overlooked, undervalued, and minimized in research, policymaking, and investment. Join us to explore the complexity of this pivotal time in adolescent development and the ways in which systems and strategies can be refocused to help students thrive.