Pioneer Peer Educator Program
Pioneer Wellness and Prevention Peer Educator Program
Students Helping Students. Creating a Healthier Campus.
The Pioneer Wellness and Prevention Peer Educator Program is a new student leadership initiative through Student Health Services at Point Park University.
Pioneer Peer Educators are trained student leaders who provide peer-to-peer education, support campus prevention initiatives, and help connect students with reliable health and wellness resources.
The program is launching with its first cohort of Drug and Alcohol Peer Educators. These students will help promote alcohol harm reduction, substance safety, responsible decision-making, and awareness of available support resources across campus.
Apply to Become a Peer Educator
About the Program
Students are often more comfortable talking with other students about the issues that affect their health, safety, and college experience. Peer education creates approachable opportunities for students to learn, ask questions, and connect with support.
The Pioneer Wellness and Prevention Peer Educator Program prepares students to become informed and trusted campus leaders. Through training, outreach, and prevention programming, peer educators help create a healthier and safer Point Park community. The program is coordinated by Student Health Services and supported through partnerships with departments, student organizations, and other members of the university community.
Drug and Alcohol Peer Education
The first cohort of Pioneer Peer Educators will focus on drug and alcohol education and prevention. Drug and Alcohol Peer Educators help students make informed decisions by sharing accurate information, promoting harm reduction strategies, and increasing awareness of campus and community resources.
Peer educators may assist with:
- Alcohol harm reduction and substance safety education
- Campus awareness campaigns
- Educational programs and presentations
- Tabling and outreach events
- Prevention programming during high-risk times
- Collaboration with Athletics, Residence Life, student organizations, and campus departments
- Promotion of support services and health resources
Peer educators do not provide counseling, medical advice, or disciplinary services. Their role is to educate, engage, and connect students with appropriate resources.
Be Part of the First Cohort
The first group of Pioneer Peer Educators will have an opportunity to help shape the future of peer education at Point Park University. As a founding member of the program, you will help develop campus initiatives, identify topics that matter to students, and establish traditions that future peer educators can continue. You do not need previous experience in healthcare, public health, or peer education. We are looking for students who are willing to learn, work collaboratively, and make a positive contribution to the campus community.
Training and Professional Development
All selected peer educators will complete training before beginning their work. Training will prepare students to communicate effectively with their peers, support prevention initiatives, and respond appropriately when students need additional assistance.
Peer educators will complete nationally recognized training through the NASPA Peer Education Certification Program, as well as drug and alcohol education training supported by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB). Upon successful completion, students will become certified peer educators.
Training topics may include:
- Principles of peer education
- Effective communication and peer engagement
- Alcohol harm reduction
- Substance use trends among college students
- Recognizing alcohol poisoning and other high-risk situations
- Responsible decision-making and party safety
- Bystander intervention
- Professional boundaries and confidentiality
- Campus resources and referral skills
- Program planning and health promotion
Peer educators will also participate in ongoing training and professional development throughout the academic year.
What You Will Gain
Serving as a Pioneer Peer Educator provides valuable experience that can support your academic, professional, and personal development.
Peer educators have opportunities to build skills in:
- Leadership
- Public speaking
- Peer communication
- Program planning
- Health promotion
- Prevention education
- Campus engagement
- Teamwork and collaboration
This experience may be especially valuable for students interested in healthcare, public health, psychology, counseling, social work, education, criminal justice, communications, student affairs, or community leadership.
Time Commitment and Compensation
Pioneer Peer Educators should expect to commit approximately 5–8 hours per week during the academic year.
This time may include:
- Training
- Team meetings
- Program planning
- Outreach events
- Educational programming
- Campus campaigns
Peer educators will receive a stipend supported through the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board Reducing Underage Drinking and Dangerous Drinking Grant Program.
Specific stipend information and payment expectations will be provided to selected students.
Who Should Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be currently enrolled at Point Park University
- Be in good academic standing
- Demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Be willing to engage with students during programs and outreach activities
- Be reliable and able to work collaboratively
- Have an interest in student health, safety, prevention, or leadership
- Be available to complete required training
Previous leadership, health education, or campus involvement is helpful but not required. Students from all majors and academic programs are encouraged to apply.
Application and Selection Process
Peer educators are selected through an application and interview process. Applicants will be asked about their interest in peer education, experience working with others, availability, and the strengths they would bring to the team. Selected students will be notified following the interview process and will receive additional information about training, program expectations, and the academic-year schedule.
Application Timeline
Applications Open: August 1, 2026
Application Deadline: August 15, 2026
Interviews: August 24-28, 2026
Training: September 1-19, 2026
Program Begins: September 21, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Peer educators receive training before beginning their work. An interest in helping others, learning new skills, and supporting the campus community is more important than previous experience.
No. Students from all majors and academic programs are encouraged to apply.
No. Pioneer Peer Educators are not counselors or healthcare providers. They provide education, promote healthy decision-making, and connect students with appropriate resources.
Peer educators may participate in presentations, workshops, and outreach events. Training and support will be provided to help students develop confidence and public-speaking skills.
Yes. Drug and Alcohol Peer Educators will receive a stipend through grant funding.
Peer educators should plan to commit approximately 5–8 hours per week, including meetings, training, program planning, and outreach activities.
Yes. Peer educators are selected annually, and returning students may reapply for continued participation and future leadership opportunities.
Questions?
Contact Student Health Services at:
Email: Studenthealth@pointpark.edu
Phone: 412-392-3800
Location: Student Center, Third Floor
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Closed daily from 12:00–1:00 p.m.