The goal of a new study is to strengthen students' social, emotional and behavioral well-being.

“We often don't understand the rich value that young people can add to the creation of solutions," said Olga Acosta Price, an associate professor at George Washington University Associate Professor

That's why a schools in Broome County are handing them the microphone and encouraging students to use their voice.

"That perspective and those insights can really help us in thinking about solutions that are going to make the most sense in how to prevent problems, for how to intervene early and how to have effective treatment," said Price.  

George Washington University staff members are in Broome County to conduct a study.

Acosta Price says it's important work especially in the wake of several tragic shootings.

"We often find individuals who feel very isolated, who feel very disconnected, who feel not a part of kind of their social environment and although those aren't always the driving issues, they're usually there," said Price.

"Some have done it because they never had a voice and they had nobody to help them," said Sarah Londa, a high school student

Through this study, students are being asked to speak up, to get help for themselves and also implement change for others.

"It was a big help and it gave me like a boost to know if I do need to talk to somebody there are people out there that are willing to talk," said Mercedes Russell, another high school student.  

"It's critical that we constantly sort of touch base and really allow them to be leaders in their own right and co-creators of solutions that we have," said Price.  

Broome County is the last of four communities to be included in this study to get students to a place where they're engaged in learning and feeling supported. The case study is expected to be released in the beginning of next year.