Aggies Reaching Aggies
Peer Educator Program
Aggies Reaching Aggies is a peer educator program that was established in the spring of 2021 with the goal of raising awareness about suicide prevention at Texas A&M. Our student volunteers are part of an impactful initiative on campus, spreading messages of hope and educating peers on lifesaving skills through training and events facilitated by Aggies Reaching Aggies. Peer education is an evidence-based model of suicide prevention that helps our student volunteers foster meaningful connections and conversations among students while under the supervision of University Health Services staff.
How to Get Involved
Aggies Reaching Aggies volunteers are leaders in suicide prevention at Texas A&M University. A peer educator can recognize when someone is struggling with their mental health and connect them to appropriate resources. With the addition of the peer-led training, the goal is to reach more students in a meaningful way.
To become an Aggies Reaching Aggies peer educator, students must be full-time, with a minimum of 12 semester hours for undergraduates and 9 hours for graduates. Applicants need a minimum GPA of 2.0 (current) and 2.25 (cumulative). All majors are welcome, and no prior experience is needed. After meeting eligibility requirements, applicants complete an interview and training. Interviews are held throughout the fall and spring semesters, with training held the week before the start of each semester. Participation is flexible based on availability.
Students will also have ongoing supervision and continuing education throughout the program. Most peer educator trainings are one hour and will be offered at various times during the week with occasional evening and weekend presentations.
Volunteer Application
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the Fall and Spring semesters.
Please complete the following application to be considered for the Aggies Reaching Aggies program.
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Aggies Reaching Aggies volunteers work with University Health Services to lead suicide prevention trainings and develop campus events for Texas A&M students. Volunteers present original ideas for events on campus that promote suicide prevention, and work closely with their peers, University Health Services staff, and campus stakeholders to plan and host these events.
Volunteers receive extensive suicide prevention training that prepares them to facilitate the Talk Saves Lives training to their peers. These trainings provide participants with a clear understanding of this leading cause of death, including the most up-to-date research on suicide prevention, and what they can do in their communities to save lives.
Aggies Reaching Aggies volunteers commit to a minimum of 12 hours of involvement per semester (1-2 hours per week). Volunteers are encouraged to fit these hours to their individual schedules and interests, with the opportunity to focus on either training or event facilitation. Meetings are held bi-weekly throughout the semester and count towards expected involvement.
Aggies Reaching Aggies volunteers include both undergraduate and graduate students from diverse backgrounds, career interests, and majors. Volunteers must maintain full-time student status (12 semester hours for undergraduates and 9 hours for graduates) and have a minimum GPA of 2.0 (current) and 2.25 (cumulative). We value having students who represent a broad range of interests, and no prior experience is required.
We work with you and your department to identify whether your time dedicated to this program can be used for academic credit or volunteer requirements. Each request will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
Aggies Reaching Aggies is a fantastic way to make meaningful impact on campus while building leadership and presentation skills. We value the unique perspectives and creative ideas that all our volunteers bring to Aggies Reaching Aggies, and we encourage each student to engage authentically with the suicide prevention work they do through this program. Joining this program helps students become part of the next generation of Aggie leaders in suicide prevention alongside a supportive, dedicated, and caring team of peers and University Health Services staff.
