Photo Caption- CEO of AAIUH Dr. Marilyn Fraser and President of COSTAATT Dr. Keith Nurse.
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago – On July 31, 2025, the College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTAATT) and the Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health (AAIUH), a New York-based non-profit founded by the late tennis legend Arthur Ashe, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance youth mental health education and training in Trinidad and Tobago.
The agreement, signed at COSTAATT’s City Campus in Port of Spain, establishes a formal partnership to deliver youth mental health internships, enhance peer education, and support community-based research. This year’s three-week programme, held in July, culminated in a graduation ceremony immediately preceding the signing. At the ceremony, students presented the results of their original research on various aspects of mental health in Trinidad and Tobago, highlighting issues such as the impact of social media, teen social isolation and digital wellness.
This year’s programme was made possible through the support and collaboration of several key organisations, including Healthy Minds, Restore A Sense Of I Can, UNESCO, the Trinidad and Tobago Association of Psychologists (TTAP), the Heroes Foundation, the Oilfield Workers Trade Union (OWTU), and the American Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AMCHAM).
Dr. Keith Nurse, President of COSTAATT, reflected on the initiative’s significance:
“I was a teenager when Arthur Ashe was one of my heroes. His grace, discipline, and vision live on in this programme. This is a proud moment for our College, supporting young people through a model that integrates health, education, and advocacy.”
He also emphasised the academic potential of the programme:
“The quality of the students’ work deserves more than applause, it deserves recognition. COSTAATT is ready to explore offering transferable college credits to jumpstart their academic careers.”
Dr. Marilyn Fraser, CEO of AAIUH, praised the energy and promise of the collaboration:
“Arthur Ashe believed in equity, access, and excellence, and this partnership embodies all three. By working with COSTAATT, we’re ensuring that students across Trinidad and Tobago gain access to transformative learning experiences in mental health and community advocacy.”
The MOU will remain in effect for five years and paves the way for year-round programming, regional programme delivery and joint research initiatives focused on youth mental health and wellness.
Video Recap:
Other Media Coverage Links:
- https://www.cnc3.co.tt/costaatt-partners-with-arthur-ashe-institute-on-mental-health-education/
- https://www.caribbeanlife.com/arthur-ashe-institute-and-tt-college-forge-alliance-for-mental-health-and-equity/
- https://newsday.co.tt/2025/08/04/costaatt-moves-to-promote-youth-mental-health-in-trinidad-and-tobago/
