The Peer Leadership Institute (PLI) trains and supports high school students to become role models and leaders who promote positive behavior change in their schools and home communities. Grounded in youth development principles, the program prepares young people to be peer leaders in health promotion and public health practice.
PLI has a summer and academic year afterschool components. Students usually start the program during an intensive six week summer session and then continue throughout during the academic year in the afterschool program. PLI trains students to conduct teen to teen workshops in schools and youth community centers to promote positive behavior change and good health practices. PLI workshop topics range from puberty, peer pressure and healthy relationships to sexual health and substance abuse prevention. Workshops and outreach are conducted primarily neighborhoods in Dorchester, Roxbury and Mattapan. During each workshop, at least one PLI staff member is present to provide supervision and guidance for the student leaders.
PLI accepts students entering the 9th to 12th grade. Students must reside in Boston to be eligible to apply for the program. Accepted students receive a stipend to participate in the program.
Contact us if…
- You are interested in becoming a Peer Leader.
- Your afterschool program would like to book a workshop or learn more about us.
- Your school would like to learn more about us.
- You would like to become a mentor or volunteer.
We are now accepting applications for our Peer Leadership Institute Summer Enrichment Program! Accepted students receive a stipend to participate. They are trained in substance abuse prevention, sexual health, pregnancy, and sexually transmitted disease prevention methods, substance abuse prevention and on the principles of peer leadership. Students aged 15 to 17 who reside in the city of Boston are encouraged to apply. Click here for application.
