The Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) will provide training, materials, and resources for student leadership groups to implement a Peer Leadership Campaign. Using a project-based learning model, student groups will develop and implement activities designed to increase awareness about mental health and suicide prevention, reduce stigma, and promote school and community resources. The project activities will be developed in partnership with school staff and should focus on students, staff, and families.
Middle and high school leadership classes and clubs are invited to submit an application to participate. All Orange County public, private, and charter schools are eligible to apply. Participating schools will be provided with materials, resources, training, and activity development support.
Participation Guidelines
Involve a minimum of ten (10) students to serve as peer leaders in the development and implementation of the campaign activities. The peer leaders will receive training and participate in a facilitated discussion by OCDE staff.
The campaign must include the following activities:
- Student Outreach Activity: Develop and disseminate mental health information to the student body. The activity should raise awareness of mental health concerns, reduce mental health stigma, promote healthy coping strategies, and share school and community resources.
- Parent/Caregiver Outreach Activity: Conduct one parent outreach activity to raise awareness about mental health concerns affecting youth and how families can support their children. The activity should include a youth perspective and promote school and community resources.
- Staff Outreach Activity: Conduct one staff outreach activity to raise awareness about mental health concerns affecting youth and how school staff can support students. The activity should include a youth perspective and promote school and community resources.
The school counseling and/or administration team must be involved to provide guidance and follow-up support as needed.
The campaign must be completed by May 21, 2027.
Submit a completion form following each activity.
School administration must support evaluation efforts, which will include workshop surveys, and surveying student leaders and advisors after all activities have been completed.
OCDE Will Provide:
A workshop for peer leaders to provide foundational knowledge of mental health.
Ongoing support to help guide and develop the project using a project-based learning model.
Materials and resources to support the project, including t-shirts, promotional items with campaign messages (e.g. pens, journals, stickers), butcher paper, paint markers, etc.
Application
For more information, please contact Stephanie Loscko, Program Specialist, at sloscko@ocde.us or 714-966-4319.
