Promote Well-Being & Cultivate Community

Peer education gives undergraduate students at Temple an opportunity to promote well-being, cultivate community, and be agents of change on our campus. HEART Peer Educators receive comprehensive training via a 3-credit undergraduate course on a variety of health and wellness topics. HEART Peer Educators facilitate wellness programs, participate in campus outreach, and support Wellness Resource Center initiatives. 

HEART Peers lead important conversations about well-being, build partnerships with student organizations, and support campus conversations about what’s most important to students. The program helps undergraduate student leaders build confidence in public speaking, community organizing, and event planning.

Here’s what you need to know about becoming a Health Education Awareness Resource Team (HEART) Peer Educator:

• Peers are nationally certified after taking SBS 2304, a 3-credit undergraduate course held at the WRC on Wednesday evenings during the Fall and Spring semesters. Learn about mental well-being, alcohol and other drugs, sexual health, interpersonal violence, and other wellness topics that impact college students.
• The course and peer meetings help students gain practical experience through several experiential learning hours and one office hour per week outside of class time.  You’ll be given the opportunity to assist with event planning and implementation, campus outreach, and raising awareness on campus through resource tables.
• Receive training in two established peer facilitated programs so you can facilitate important conversations with fellow Owls and student groups. 
• Take the Certified Peer Educator (CPE) exam at the end of the semester to become a nationally certified peer educator.

What are some characteristics of an effective HEART Peer Educator?

• You consider yourself a team player
• You are reliable and responsible
• You have a willingness to speak in front of an audience or to develop public speaking skills
• You are interested in health promotion and creating a healthier and happier campus community
• You strive to be a non-judgmental role model (and role model does not mean perfect!)
• You are a current undergraduate student at Temple University with, preferably, at least two semesters left in your academic journey