Relationship-centered near-peer support from young adults (ages 18-24) creates conditions for student engagement with mental health support across YMHC sites¶

Claim · All claims
Evidence · 1 study · design r1 · q2
Currency · newest study 2025 · not yet checked against its sources · not reviewed by a person

Subclaims¶

q2 i? Across all YMHC sites, relationship-centered near-peer support was the most consistent condition associated with student engagement, with students finding young-adult members accessible and authentic. → WestEd 2025

Evidence¶

WestEd 2025¶

WestEd. (2025). Local Partnerships, National Impact: Year 1 of the Youth Mental Health Corps. https://www.wested.org/resource/building-a-model-of-student-centered-support-through-the-youth-mental-health-corps/

q2 · i? · design · r1

Year 1 implementation report synthesizing observations across four state profiles (Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, Texas). The report states "relationship-centered near-peer support creates uniquely powerful conditions for student engagement"; no effect sizes or comparative tests are reported.

"The most consistent finding across all YMHC sites is that relationship-centered near-peer support creates uniquely powerful conditions for student engagement."

Discussion¶

Related Claims¶

• Schools with YMHC members reported reductions in behavioral referrals and improved student attendance in Year 1 — related
• YMHC members completed more than 130 certifications by March 2025, and 46% found certifications instrumental in securing employment — related
• Coordination of Services Teams (COSTs) are used universally in Oakland Unified schools to connect students and families with academic, mental, behavioral, and physical health supports — related
• Interventions with high schoolers and young adults show strong consistent improvement in cognitive regulation and small but significant improvements in health, mental health, and delinquency — a broader claim this one bears on