What is Hope Squad?

The Hope Squad program is a school-based peer support team that partners with local mental health agencies. Peers select students who are trustworthy and caring individuals to join the Hope Squad. Squad members are trained to watch for at-risk students, provide friendship, identify suicide warning signs, and seek help from adults.

Hope Squad members are NOT taught to act as counselors but are educated on recognizing suicide warning signs and how to properly and respectfully report concerns to an adult. They receive training to help reduce self-destructive behavior and youth suicide, reduce stigma about suicide, raise awareness, and create a change in the atmosphere within the school.