The Peer Mediation Program, in partnership with the City of Houston's Bureau of Youth and Adolescent Health, aims to foster a supportive and safe environment for youth by addressing key challenges that emerged due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including substance abuse, mental health, conflict resolution, and infectious disease awareness. Using innovative approaches and culturally relevant frameworks, the program seeks to actively engage students and encourage positive behaviors. The selected vendor must implement the evidence-based Peer Mediation curriculum and have current or previous experience in Alief Independent, Aldine Independent, or Houston Independent School Districts. The Peer Mediation Program focuses on equipping youth with knowledge and skills to prevent and reduce drug usage as well as youth violence, while also raising awareness about mental health and infectious diseases. It utilizes a creative and innovative approach, drawing inspiration from hip-hop culture, including its language, arts, and history, to address substance use and risk behaviors among youth. Key features include a mix of traditional and non-traditional engagement techniques, offering certificates of completion and community service hours, and targeting students from 6th through 12th grade of Alief ISD, Houston ISD and Aldine ISD. Each Class of Cohort will consist of 25 to 30 Students, aiming for 15 to 25 Students to become peer mediators from these cohorts. The programs implementation, evaluation, and program reports must be submitted by or before May 31st, 2025.
