Student engagement

Challenge

Pronouncements from authority figures often carry little weight with adolescents. But student behavior, especially among teens, can be highly influenced by peers. Research suggests that adolescents are more likely to modify their behaviors and attitudes if they receive health messages from those who face similar concerns and pressures.

Solution

Most Wellness Center school has a Student Advisory Board sponsored by The L.A. Trust where student health advocates hone their leadership skills by mentoring and training their peers. Last school year, 104 students served as SAB members — and their campaigns reached more than 20,000 students. These campaigns — on topics like mental health, substance use, nutrition and sexual and reproductive health — can have a powerful impact. In response to high HPV rates, many SABs created outreach campaigns including educational skits, social media and HPV myth-buster announcements. As a result, Wellness Centers saw a significant increase in HPV vaccination referrals. Throughout the year The L.A Trust holds training sessions for Student Advisory Board members and their Adult Allies, including our annual Youth 2 Youth Conference, which attracted more than 100 students and allies in March.

Student Advisory Boards

Resources

Events

The L.A. Trust Y2Y Event 2023

Webinars

Telehealth Webinar on Youth Engagement – June 3, 2020

Toolkits

• Jeopardy learning game

• Social media toolkit

• Student engagement toolkit

• Medi-Cal Redetermination toolkit

Public Service Announcements