CAPS Peer Education Program
Founded in 2013, the CAPS Peer Education Program (PEP) has the mission of providing well-informed and supportive suicide prevention outreach to the UCSC student community. We enact this mission through tabling, educational workshops, and online outreach presence to increase awareness and reduce stigma around of struggles with suicide, mental health issues and treatment. Our talented and diverse team of undergraduate Peer Educators are trained in a variety of topics to help them succeed in their role. CAPS is proud of our Peers' valuable contributions to the mental health and well-being of our campus.
PEP Workshops & Tabling
Want to request a workshop or for the PEP Team to join your tabling event? Please fill out the Workshop/Tabling Request Form. Here are some of the workshops that PEP offers:
Peer-Led Talk: CAPS Services
Want to learn all about CAPS Services? The CAPS Services Peer-Led Talk informs students about the ins and outs of CAPS services, including:
- common stressors that lead students to seek support
- descriptions of all major CAPS services, including available drop-in services
- how to make an appointment
- what to expect at your first meeting
- where to go for additional information
- time for Q&A
- 30-45 minute presentation
Stress Less Workshop
Learn about common experiences of stress, how to recognize signs, and what to consider when creating strategies to address stress in your life as a student. (30-45 minute presentation)
QPR Suicide Prevention: Gatekeeper Training
Question, Persuade and Refer (QPR) is a suicide prevention training designed to help community members recognize warning signs of suicide, engage in supportive conversation, and provide resources to a person in need. QPR is an interactive workshop. (2 Hour Training; Limit Group Size of 20 participants)
Tabling Events
Want CAPS PEP to table at your event? CAPS PEP tabling can provide information, resources, answer student questions about CAPS services, and engage students in supportive coaching conversations.
Have another workshop topic or event in mind?
PEP is open to hearing your request. We will likely set up a brief meeting with your representative to hear more about the workshop topic and/or event you are considering to discuss how we might be able to help. Simply choose "OTHER" under Program Request and provide a brief description.
- Workshops and Tablings are limited to our busy undergraduates' availability. We will do our very best to accommodate requests.
- CAPS PEP works only during the academic year. If you have a request that falls outside of the Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters, please contact the CAPS office at 831-459-2628.
What Do Peer Educators Do?
Peer Educators attend a 4-day orientation prior to fall term and attend weekly meetings throughout the school year. Within their 3-hour weekly volunteer commitment, Peer Educators' responsibilities include:
- Facilitating interactive, informational workshops on stress management and other mental health topics.
Provide one-on-one supportive coaching conversations to students through campus outreach.- Coordinate and contribute to social media campaigns for mental health awareness, including the PEP Podcast, Blog, and the UCSC PEP Instagram.
- Represent CAPS through outreach to the campus by tabling at special events, educational workshops, and creating relationships with student groups and orgs.
- Assist with CAPS outreach events.
- Publicize and promote CAPS special events and programs.
- Assist with special projects as needed by CAPS staff.
Do You Want to Be a CAPS Peer Educator?
Apply to work with CAPS PEP. Applications for our recruitment cycle for 2024-2025 open on June 20, and will close at midnight on July 19, 2024.
Requirements to be a CAPS Peer Educator:
- Registered UCSC undergraduate in good academic standing.
- Public speaking and workshop facilitation skills.
- A passion for helping others, promoting mental health awareness, stigma reduction, and issues related to diversity, inclusivity, and multiculturalism. Interest and experience with social justice issues is a huge plus!
- A flexible, positive attitude and excellent time management skills.
- Professional communication skills.
- Strong desire to represent CAPS' mission and positive image to the UCSC campus community.
- Ability to commit to volunteer 3-8 flexible hrs/week (depending on position) for the entire academic year (Fall, Winter & Spring).
- Ability to attend weekly PEP team meetings each quarter (Fridays 9:30 AM-11:00 AM).
- Attend a required 4-day training and orientation in the week before the start of Fall classes (date TBD).
Preferred qualifications:
- 3.0 minimum GPA
- Sophomore class standing or higher in 2024-2025 school year
- Previous public speaking, teaching, coaching, or other group facilitation experience
- Creative or artistic skills for creation of promotional materials
- Blog or social media experience for program promotion
Other Team Position Available: Assistant Program Coordinator
The Assistant Program Coordinator Position attends the 4-day team orientation prior to fall term and weekly meetings throughout the school year. Within their 8 hour weekly volunteer commitment their responsibilities include:
- All duties of a Peer Educator
- Assist with program operations and development
- Act as primary contact for Peer Educator Team
- Attend one-on-one weekly mentorship supervision with the PEP Program Coordinator
Preferred qualifications:
- 3.0 minimum GPA
- Junior class standing or higher in 2024-2025 school year
- Previous public speaking, teaching, coaching, or other group facilitation experience
- Previous leadership experience
Benefits offered:
- Yearly Stipends
- Flexible Hours
- Professional Development & Training including: QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training, Peer Coaching, Outreach Crisis Management
If you have questions about PEP or the application process, please contact CAPS PEP at capspep@ucsc.edu
