The L.A. Trust awarded contract by L.A. Unified for peer mentorship program

Teachers learning about the peer mentoring program.

The Los Angeles Trust for Children’s Health (The L.A. Trust) has been awarded a contract by L.A. Unified to expand The L.A. Trust’s successful Student Advisory Board model for peer-to-peer mentorship. The new Peer-to-Peer Mentoring Program will equip teachers with training across 11 curriculum modules, enabling them to serve as Adult Allies to a Peer-to-Peer Club within their respective schools. The contract spans three years with the potential for extension to five years.

The role of the Adult Ally focuses on supporting students in their journey toward a healthy and successful life, assisting them in applying wellness strategies in their interactions with peers and family members. Peer-to-Peer Club members emerge as health advocates, refining their leadership abilities by mentoring and training their peers on various topics such as mental health, substance use, nutrition, and sexual and reproductive health to name a few.

"We are excited for this expanded opportunity to work with teachers to become Adult Allies,” said Maryjane Puffer, Executive Director of The L.A. Trust. “This vote of confidence by L.A. Unified in our proven training model allows us to multiply our impact by helping teachers empower students to take charge of their health and that of their peers.”

The official training for teachers from 28 high-need schools, selected by Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, started in February of this year. The training consists of a blend of in-person and virtual sessions. The three-day training covers a range of topics.

Teachers discussing health campaign strategies.

·       Day one focuses on elucidating the purpose and responsibilities of the Adult Ally, employing positive youth development strategies, addressing legal considerations, and establishing a Peer-to-Peer Club.

·       Day two continues with the recruitment and administration of the Peer-to-Peer Club discussions on marketing and evaluation expectations, and strategies for designing and executing health campaigns.

·       Day three delves into youth mental health, addressing crisis intervention, stigma reduction, and the significance of mental health within and beyond the school environment.

Noe Rivera, Associate Director of Programs at The L.A. Trust, and the lead trainer, said, “Each module has been crafted to provide Adult Allies with the tools necessary to proactively address the health challenges prevalent in their schools, homes, and communities.”

This year's cohort is comprised mostly of middle schools with an emphasis on reaching students who typically fall outside the conventional mold of the "perfect student," including those who are reserved or less involved. This approach is essential for the holistic development of such students over the school year.

The L.A. Trust is grateful for the opportunity to expand its longstanding efforts in working with students. The contract represents a significant stride towards The L.A. Trust’s overarching goal of increasing students’ access to health services and education. As we continue to grow our impact, we remain committed to empowering schools and communities to prioritize the holistic well-being of every student.