When teens counsel teens: Why peer support programs are growing
From Education Beat by EdSource
February 26, 2026
About this episode
The episode discusses the rise of peer support programs in schools, focusing on Antioch High School's initiative where students mentor their peers.
At Antioch High School in Contra Costa County, 80 students serve as peer advocates, mentoring freshmen during their transition to high school, meeting with students who have been found with alcohol or drugs, and facilitating mediation between students who are having conflicts. There's been a surge in school programs like this one, where students counsel or mentor other students. And they seem to be paying off, both for students who receive the mentoring and for the advocates themselves. Guests: Cristian Topete, Peer advocate and student, Antioch High School Vani Sanganeria, reporter, EdSource Read more from EdSource: Students become lifeline for peers facing suspensions, mental health struggles Estudiantes se convierten en apoyo vital para sus compañeros que enfrentan suspensiones y problemas de salud mental. Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald. Subscribe: Apple, Spotify, SoundCloud, YouTube
People in this episode
Host: Zaidee Stavely
Guests: Cristian Topete, Vani Sanganeria
Topics covered
- peer support programs
- mentoring
- high school transition
- student advocacy
- mental health
Keywords
- peer advocates
- mentoring
- high school
- student support
- alcohol
- drugs
- conflict mediation
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: EdSource
Places: Antioch High School, Contra Costa County
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