Health behaviors start young. So does health education.
Five Health is launching a Youth Health Ambassadors program to train high school and college students as peer educators in their schools and communities.
Why Focus on Youth?
Most health education programs target adults, but by then, many habits are already set. Adolescence and young adulthood are critical periods when people:
- Become sexually active
- Experiment with substances
- Establish eating and exercise patterns
- Learn (or don’t learn) how to access healthcare
- Develop mental health coping strategies
Early education prevents problems before they start.
The Peer Education Model
Young people trust other young people. Research shows that teens are more likely to change behavior based on information from peers than from adults.
Our Youth Health Ambassadors will receive training in:
- Sexual health and STI prevention
- Mental health awareness and suicide prevention
- Substance use and harm reduction
- Nutrition and physical activity
- Healthcare navigation and rights
- Communication and presentation skills
Ambassadors then lead workshops in schools, youth centers, churches, and community events.
What Makes This Different
Traditional health education is often:
- Led by adults who feel out of touch
- Focused on abstinence or fear-based messaging
- One-time presentations with no follow-up
- Disconnected from real community context
Youth Health Ambassadors:
- Are from the communities they serve
- Use culturally relevant, judgment-free language
- Build ongoing relationships and trust
- Connect peers directly to resources
Program Details
Eligibility: Miami-Dade high school students (ages 15-18) and college students (ages 18-24)
Commitment: 40-hour training + 20 hours of peer education per semester
Compensation: $15/hour stipend for education hours; training is unpaid but includes meals, transportation, and certificate of completion
Timeline: First cohort launches August 2026
How to Apply
Applications open July 15. Email youth@5-health.com for information.
Parents, teachers, and youth leaders: help us spread the word. Investing in youth health literacy today creates healthier adults tomorrow.
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