youth advisory board

The Peer Health Exchange Youth Advisory Board (YAB) is a coalition of 70+ young people (ages 13-18) based across the country. They are incentivized to co-develop PHE programming, digital products, curriculum and outreach strategies to ensure the organization remains youth-informed.
get involved with yab

youth advisory board history

PHE piloted our youth engagement work in Summer 2020, when 3 groups of young people partnered with our Curriculum, Evaluation, Programming team. That fall our Youth Design group and Youth Advisory Board launched! The Youth Design Group, a group of 9 high school students from across the country - brainstormed, ideated, and branded our 1st step into digital work – selfsea! Our Youth Advisory Board – a workforce development program – launched with 16 high school students across California who collaborated with PHE staff and Board Members to inform PHE’s 2021-2024 strategic plan priorities and helped to revise our mission and vision statements. Today, PHE’s Youth Advisory Board is a coalition of 70+ young people (ages 13-18)! YAB members across the country as co-designers and co-creators across 7 work teams with PHE staff, including as peer facilitators in our school-based curriculum!

youth advisory board overview

Launched in 2020, and representing young people of many diverse identities and regions, the Youth Advisory Board (YAB) plays a vital role in shaping PHE's initiatives and programs. YAB Members participate in foundational organization components such as interviewing the CEO and presenting in board meetings. The Youth Advisory Board also works closely with PHE's leadership and Board to guide content and user- experience on PHE’s digital platform selfsea.org, and evaluate and make recommendations on programming, curriculum design, and outreach strategies. Their contributions ensure that PHE's initiatives remain relevant, effective, and responsive to the needs of young people.

youth advisory board structure

Four groups make up the Peer Health Exchange Youth Advisory Board, each with their own unique leadership opportunities.

advisory design team

community youth advocates

youth brand ambassadors

youth design group

additional opportunities or groups

hear from phe youth

“Working with PHE was one of my first times in a professional setting, and it did not disappoint. The idea of equity with youth drew me in and I definitely felt respected during meetings and conversations with staff. I also think PHE is a great way to work on what you’re passionate for while helping others and gaining experience at the same time.”
Joleen Wong
“We collaborate on addressing community issues, organizing events, and advocating for youth rights. One of the highlights was presenting our ideas to companies who also support mental health.”
Manpreet Kaur
“PHE has taught me how to network, given me the opportunity to work with students all over the country, has given me the opportunity to feel heard by adults, and has given me a space to voice my ideas.”
Kelly Lantigua
“I love preparing different projects and discussing real world issues like equality vs equity.”
Anonymous
“One thing that I have learned…is that this community is welcoming and everyone has a voice. I've learned a lot about mental health and ways we can bring up conversations with others."
Anonymous
“I love the icebreakers and activities we do since it really helps my mind get running. It's a great way to start off a meeting and interact with others.”
Anonymous
“No matter how small a voice or problem, it deserves to be heard.”
Anonymous

learn how to get involved with our youth advisory board

All opportunities are paid and you will be partnered with a PHE staff member for any support needs.

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