Peer education builds on the idea that students learn best from their peers, especially about difficult or uncomfortable topics. Peer Educators are trained by the HOPE professional staff to engage their peers in relevant and relatable discussions on issues of health and wellness. Peer educators are trained in specific topic areas such as sexual health, alcohol & other drugs, nutrition, and mental health. Each peer education program has its own requirements, application, and training process.
If you have questions regarding any of the Peer Education programs, please contact HOPE at 848-932-1965.
Opportunities: Become a Peer Educator!
- Sexual Health Advocates
Sexual Health Advocates (SHAs) provide tools and information to assist students in making informed, responsible decisions about sex, sexual health, contraception, and relationships. SHAs must interview for and enroll in Sexual Health Advocacy, 10-832-301, an academic and experiential course offered through Public Health. Upon successful completion of the course students become certified Peer Sexual Health Advocates and provide interactive outreach and workshops on campus and in the community.
Applications for Sexual Health Advocates are now closed. Please click here for more information and to apply.
Students must interview for and enroll in 10-832-301, Sexual Health Advocacy, a sexual health education course which is taken in the spring semester.
Graduating seniors are not eligible for the course. An interview does not guarantee a place in the class.
- Alcohol and other Drug Peer Educators
Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Peer Educators provide information, training, and education to help students make informed, responsible decisions regarding alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. AOD Peer Educators must take Peer Education Advocacy, 10-832-262-01, an academic course offered during the fall semester through Public Health.
- Peer Mental Health Educators
The Peer Mental Health Educators (PMHE) offer interactive outreach and workshops on topics related to mental health such as managing stress, time management, mental health myth & stigmas, sleep & tech health, compassion, and gratitude. New Peer Mental Health Educators are required to participate in five full days of training that takes place during the January break.
Applications for the spring 2026 cohort open September 2025
If you have additional questions, please contact Nikita Cuvilje at nikita.cuvilje@rutgers.edu.
- Nutrition Advocates
Nutrition Advocates are a group of undergraduate peer educators majoring in Nutritional Science who provide interactive outreach events and workshops to help educate and promote better nutrition, health, and wellness habits on campus and in the community.
Nutrition Advocate applications are now open. Please click here to apply.
- Nourish Peer Educator
The Nourish Living-Learning Community Peer Educator coordinates workshops and events for the Wellness Living-Learning Community. This page is for students wish to apply for the Nourish Living-Learning Community Peer Educator position.
To learn more about the Nourish LLC Community click here.For a detailed job description click here.
If you have additional questions, please contact Nikita Cuvilje at nikita.cuvilje@rutgers.edu.
