When it comes to school clubs and electives, there is a wide range of things to choose from. Many of which consist of leadership roles, college prep, and/or community service. Peer Assisted Learning Strategists (PALS) is a G-elective that is offered to students as a club and class that both focus on helping students improve on their leadership skills. 

The purpose of PALS is to help students become role models by providing academic assistance and social support to elementary, middle, and high school students. Students who join PALS are trained in suicide prevention, and they use this training to advocate for mental health and provide resources to their peers.

PALS also works on spreading awareness of many issues that students face. This can range from suicide, drug use, to overall help in a student’s life. Ms. Silva-Hill states, “Our main focus is mental health; we put out a lot of resources out there for students who need it.”

If you are planning to join, PALS will assist you in building leadership skills, allow you to receive personalized support, and help you build positive relationships. Many students who have participated in the class/club have found themselves becoming leaders among their peers.

A student in the program, such as Ailani Enciso, has found that the program has greatly helped in her classroom and community life. Enciso stated, “in my personal life, I have found that PALS has greatly helped me become more social and get closer to people. And in school, it’s allowed me to have a period where I can take time to destress and get work done.”

Another student who found PALS to have greatly benefited them is Xavier Franco. He states, “I wanted to start helping out my community and do something, and PALS has allowed me to help my community by raising awareness and planning events for these awarenesses.” 

PALS is a great program for students who intend to be outgoing and hope to improve their leadership skills. It is a class that not only benefits its students but also other students outside of the class. They work on hosting many events on campus to advocate for mental health among students, and  they consistently work hard to help students get back on their feet.