Event Date: May 7, 2024
Location: Descanso, CA
Commission staff ventured to San Diego County to visit Descanso Elementary and Urban Discovery Academy to learn more about their student-led peer programs. 12 members of Descanso Elementary’s Hope Squad presented their program to Commission staff, highlighting their focus on friendship, compassion and inclusion. These students were selected to the Hope Squad by their peers for being “easy to talk to” and “good friends.” Students at Urban Discovery Academy presented their Sources of Strength Program. This program focuses on overall mental wellness, incorporating an “SOS Wheel,” citing several resources that students can draw strength from, including generosity, physical health and family support. These programs are funded by the Mental Health Student Services Act (MHSSA) via the San Diego County Office of Education.