CHDI Piloting New Peer Support Program in Schools
Updated September 2024
Youth who participate in school-based peer support programs report increased mental health knowledge and well-being, as discussed in our
Issue Brief last year. These programs have also been shown to benefit the entire school community by improving the overall climate for staff and students alike.
CHDI has developed a new peer support model for schools, Students Supporting Students, based on best practices from across the country. We are currently piloting it with three Connecticut schools during the 2024-25 school year:
- Lebanon Middle School (Lebanon)
- Lyman Memorial High School (Lebanon)
- Highville Charter School (New Haven)
We are still seeking one more school to join the pilot!
Peer Support pilot schools will:
- Create a school team to complete a School Mental Health Needs Assessment (SHAPE) and coordinate implementation of the pilot
- Have access to free training, ongoing support, and technical assistance from CHDI to complete and review results of the SHAPE assessment and implement the pilot program
- Be the first to access our new Peer Support Guides for Students and Educators
- Develop student-led activities to promote well-being
- Receive a financial stipend upon completion of the pilot!
Interested in getting your school involved?
Contact Project Coordinator Mackenzie Wink, Ph.D. at mwink@chdi.org to learn more or sign up.
