One program is called Smooth Transitions. Its goal is to help freshmen get off on the right foot in high school. Eighth-grade teachers and counselors recommend students for the program who might be unsure of themselves or easily swayed by negative peer pressure. If the students wish to participate and their parents agree, the incoming eighth-graders are paired with peer helpers. These helpers are older high-school students, recommended by staff and trained in peer leadership.
Helpers call their partners before school starts and during the first six to eight weeks of school.
The partners meet once a week to talk about such things as how to get involved in school, find friendships, change one's reputation, find support, and feel a part of the school. Another area of peer leadership is in the special-education field. It is conducted by older peers who are themselves special-education students. The younger children suggest personal qualities that are important to them, such as love, friendship, and trust. Peer helpers write these on the chalkboard.