Peer Education

What is Peer Education?

Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida's Peer Education Program trains high school and college students to provide accurate information about sexual health and help guide their peers in making healthy decisions about their bodies and relationships. Peer Educators take what they learn in weekly meetings out into the community, supporting friends and peers between classes, outside of school, and beyond. 

Research shows that Peer Educators make a lasting impact on their communities, in fact it has been shown that health messages are more powerful when they come from a peer — someone who looks like you and experiences similar challenges. 

Students can join the Peer Education Program to connect with other students, gain more knowledge on sexuality education, and be part of positive change in their communities. Peer Education builds skills and provides opportunities in preparing for further education and careers. 

Peer Education for High Schoolers — Connecting Teens with Teens 

Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida’s High School Peer Education Program currently trains students in Orange, Polk, Collier, and Sarasota+Manatee counties.  

Students attend weekly meetings with other highschoolers throughout their counties to learn about sexual health and provide the foundation for the work they will do in their communities. Peer Educators support other high school students, have the opportunity to teach alongside Planned Parenthood educators, and engage with or start special projects including magazines and podcasts relating to sex education. Students build skills, make an impact at their schools and beyond, and prepare for college and work beyond. 

Peer Education for University Students — Building University Leaders 

Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida’s College Peer Education Program currently trains students at Orange county colleges,  Tampa Bay area colleges, and Eckerd College. 

Students attend weekly meetings with to build a foundation in sexual health before diving deeper into critical issues. We develop student leaders who make an impact in their communities while building skills for graduate school, internships, and post-graduate opportunities. College Peer Educators are a trusted resource in their campus communities work to teach, organize, and advocate close to home and across the state.