Peer Education

Peer Health Education

Alyssa Carlson | Intern

Helping, Educating, Advocating, and Learning Through Health
Eastern Illinois University’s Peer Education Program is where students are able to lead their colleagues in making positive, lifestyle choices. How awesome would it be for a college student to be able to make a difference in their community and have their voice heard? EIU’s peer education program, “Provides an opportunity for students to promote positive lifestyle choices among fellow students as well as sharpen, practice, and develop professional skills.” They raise awareness, the learning of knowledge, and change of behavior concerning health- related topics. Learning professional and business skills in college really helped me become a better student, presenter, and professional. These types of skills are not only crucial to have for school, but to have in the real world. Training and development can play a huge role in any type of environment, whether they are teaching a classmate on how to work a computer or even teaching them to do certain tasks in the office. What is special about this program though is that health-related topics are incorporated into decision making every day. Students will learn about topics such as flu awareness, bystander intervention, sleep and stress management, safety tips for trips, and alcohol awareness. When the students themselves promote and implement their ideas about each topic they will eventually become a pro and be able to spread awareness about the topic to their peers!

Programs may be presented to:

• residence halls
• fraternities and sororities
• interested student organizations
• organizations within the community (school system, youth groups, etc 

Join Today!

Reasons to become a peer educator:

• Be happier and healthier
• Become certified in peer education
• Build a resume through leadership opportunities
• Become a role model
• Gain confidence, leadership skills, and presentation experience
• Gain experience with motivational interviewing and team building scenarios
• SAVE LIVES of your fellow peers

 

Take the time to join this great student organization that really strengthens your skills and inhibits you to become a role model for students on campus and throughout the community. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Peer Health Educator click here to fill out an application form. You may also contact the Student Engagement and Leadership Coordinator via e-mail at herc-peered@eiu.edu or call (217) 581-7786.