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 Centers have Wellness Youth Advocates (WYAs) 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 WYAs — and their campaigns reached more than 20,000 students. These campaigns — on topics like behavioral health, substance use, nutrition and sexual and reproductive health — can have a powerful impact. In response to high HPV rates, many WYAs 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 Wellness Youth Advocates and their Adult Allies, including our annual Youth 2 Youth Conference, which attracted more than 120 students and allies in April 2024.

Wellness Youth Advocates

Resources

Events

The L.A. Trust Y2Y Event 2022

The L.A. Trust Y2Y Event 2023

The L.A. Trust Y2Y Event 2024

Webinars

Telehealth Webinar on Youth Engagement – June 3, 2020

Podcasts

Building Connections: The Power of Peer To Peer Mentoring in School

Toolkits

• Jeopardy learning game

• Social media toolkit

• Student engagement toolkit

• Medi-Cal Redetermination toolkit

Public Service Announcements