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Workstream

Youth Peer-to-Peer Support Program

About this Workstream

The Youth Peer-to-Peer Support Program is an innovative collaboration between the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and The Children’s Partnership (TCP), awarding $8 million in grants to initiate peer-to-peer support programs in eight high schools across diverse Californian communities. This pilot initiative focuses on grades 9-12, aiming to establish and standardize best practices for peer-to-peer mental and behavioral health support systems within the school environment. Peer support in California high schools is a key strategy for promoting mental health resilience and well-being among adolescents. By embedding these supportive structures in the educational system it lays the groundwork for statewide peer-to-peer mental health strategies, enhancing empathy, resilience, and solidarity among youth. 

Managed by

  • DHCS

Strategic Area

Behavioral Health Ecosystem Infrastructure

Workforce Training and Capacity

Funding

$10 million

Timeline

2023-2027

Workstream Goals

Define best practices and develop statewide standards for peer-to-peer support programs.

Increase equity and diversity while promoting peer-to-peer supports for youth.

Key Achievements

  • Request for Proposals released by TCP in January 2024.

  • Executed a contract with TCP, who convened an advisory board to inform the design of the peer-to-peer California High School Pilot program and issued a Request for Proposals to identify high schools for the High School Youth Peer-To-Peer Demonstration Pilot.

  • Hosted six listening sessions to engage children and youth.

  • Convened an advisory panel to inform grant design.

  • Executed subcontract with Youth Leadership Institute for youth outreach.

  • Eight high schools were chosen to be pilot sites for the Youth Peer-to-Peer Grant Program. 
    • Da Vinci RISE High School (El Segundo, CA; 198 students) 
    • Mission Hills High School (San Marcos, CA; 2,854 students) 
    • El Cerrito High School (El Cerrito, CA; 1,570 students) 
    • Nevada Union High School (Grass Valley, CA; 1,531 students)
    • Oakland Technical High School (Oakland, CA; 1,800 students) 
    • Serrano High School (Phelan, CA; 2,116 students) 
    • Sierra High School (San Bernardino, CA; 477 students) 
    • Antioch High School (Antioch, CA; 1,960 students)

Milestones

October 2024

Grants awarded to eight high schools to conduct peer-to-peer support programs.

December 2023 - April 2024

TCP will distribute grants to eight high schools to conduct peer-to-peer support programs.

Summer 2023

TCP convened an advisory panel to inform grant design. 

Links & Resources