The MH Ambassadors Program is a peer-to-peer model of support for the mental health needs of students, educators, and adult allies in DPS schools. This program allows educators and students to learn and be equipped with the knowledge needed to recognize mental health vulnerabilities in themselves and in their peers, relate and identify expressed needs, and make appropriate referrals on both the school community and individual levels.

We are excited to open sign up for our first cohort of Educator MH Ambassadors for the 2023-2024 school year. After the Educator Ambassadors are finalized, we will begin recruiting Student Ambassadors and Community Ambassadors. The first cohort of Ambassadors at these schools will also play a pivotal role in co-designing and codifying the Ambassador program model.

Mental health and wellness are an essential part of our overall health and well-being. The state of mental health in our school communities’ development, academic performance, and overall quality of life need more attention and support, from both inside and outside of schools.

The goal of school-based MH Ambassadors is to distribute skills and practices that support wellness across a school community. Intentionally teaching relationship skills, self-awareness, and emotional regulation can help mitigate shared stress while building community distress tolerance. Students and educators who demonstrate effective use of these skills are more likely to stay involved in their school communities, make safe decisions, and live happier and more authentic lives.

Right now we are recruiting educators for the 2023-24 cohort. There will be 12 MH Ambassadors from both Neal MS and Southern HS, three “at large” MS Ambassadors, three “at large” HS Ambassadors, and ten ES Ambassadors. This fall, we will recruit students and community members for the program. Unfortunately, School Counselors and School Social Workers are not eligible to become MH Ambassadors.

We anticipate commitment and participation ranging from 2-5 hours a month. This summer, there will be two full in-person days, one MHFA training and a full day ambassador retreat & orientation. During the school year, there will be two 45- minute meetings a month, the first to introduce a skill or concept and the second to deepen or practice it. There will also be the potential for more involvement in leadership and organizing opportunities.

Ambassadors commit to the program for the school year with some opportunities to participate during breaks (summer break, winter break, etc.). Ambassadors may also have the opportunity to renew their commitment for additional school years.

Ambassadors are leaders in their school communities, helping to build and foster a culture of mental health and wellness. They provide direct peer-to-peer support and they work as a cohort to identify challenges and opportunities for building a school-wide culture of wellness.

The role of Ambassadors is to help destigmatize mental health in their communities, connect peers to the appropriate mental health resources that match their needs, and lead community listening sessions to identify gaps and opportunities for mental health support in DPS schools. This is a multi-year engagement during which Ambassadors will receive training, build skills, and lead school-level initiatives.

The Ambassadors work individually and as a cohort to pursue these goals:

1. Support a safe (WHOLE) culture by establishing shared language that helps to de-stigmatize mental health support

2. Build and share specific tools (introduced through the cohort activities) with other school staff that are research-backed ways of improving school culture and climate

3. Provide direct peer support for other educators (in the form of mental health first aid, mental health retreats, and other skill-building opportunities)

4. Increase awareness of school-based support and coordinated referrals for student mental health support

5. Identifying gaps in current supports and opportunities for new/expanded supports across schools through leading ongoing needs assessments and community listening

Absolutely! Ambassadors will receive a stipend of $2000 for the school year, with the possibility of additional compensation for select professional development and leadership opportunities.