SCASD Social Justice Summer Institute & Peer Advocates Program

We are excited that you are interested in becoming a State High Peer Advocate or are interested in recommending a student. The Summer Institute will take place at State High during the summer of 2021 for 5 days. The date for the Institute will be determined later. Accepted students must be able to attend the entire 5-day institute.

Applications are being accepted now and can be accessed here. 

Recommendations for students who you believe would be an excellent candidate to become a peer advocate can be accessed here. 

What is the Social Justice Summer Institute?

Office of Equity and Inclusivity, in conjunction with SCASD and Penn State College of Education, has developed a week-long summer institute/program to train a select group of students as peer advocates within State High school. Students who are accepted into the institute will receive training in a variety of areas and will apply their training in order to work as peer advocates throughout the following school year. Topics covered throughout the program include: cross-cultural competence, basic counseling skills, public speaking and facilitation skills, leadership development and etiquette, and professionalism. We will accept 30 students (10 from each grade level beginning with sophomores) as peer advocates for the summer institute and following school year.

Who is eligible to become a Peer Advocate?

Rising 10th-12th grade State High students

Rising 9th-12th grade Delta students

What is a peer advocate?

Students who participate in the summer institute will be identified as peer advocates during the fall and spring semesters, and will be expected to support fellow students in the following ways:

- Point of contact for students who need assistance in addressing interpersonal issues with fellow students and teachers/staff
- Educate peers on matters related to culture, identity, equity, and social justice
- Liaison for teachers/administrators and peers in resolving challenging issues
- Provide support and advocacy for students struggling with various issues within the academic environment
- Conduct self as a leader and representative of the school in public and private sectors.

The topics covered in the institute over the summer will be as follows:

• Understanding Race and Racism
• Understanding LGBT+ Issues and how to become an Ally
• Peer Counseling 101
• Leadership, Group Facilitation, and Presentation Skills
• Advocacy Skills

For more information, please contact Ashley Diaz at amd47@scasd.org or Dr. Chatters at scasdequity@scasd.org.