Hope Squad

Hope Squad is a peer-to-peer suicide prevention and mental wellness program that empowers students to recognize when a classmate may be struggling and connect them with trusted adults who can help. Student members are nominated by their peers as approachable, caring, and trustworthy leaders, then receive specialized training on how to identify warning signs, encourage help-seeking, and promote a culture of kindness, connection, and hope.

In Westerville City Schools, Hope Squad is one part of our comprehensive approach to student well-being. By building meaningful peer connections and increasing awareness of mental health, Hope Squad helps create school communities where every student knows they are seen, supported, and never alone.

Check out Hope Squad in action in our schools!