The Peer Counseling Program is utilized throughout Broward County, using the peer-to-peer approach to support prevention and intervention efforts in schools ensuring students feel safe and connected in order to succeed academically. Advocates for Youth research (Washington, D.C.) suggested that students are more likely to hear and personalize messages, and thus to change their attitudes and behaviors, if they believe the messenger is similar to them and faces the same concerns and pressures. Numerous studies have demonstrated that their peers influence youth's health behaviors in regard to violence and substance use. Trained peer counselors are a more credible source of information for some youth than adult educators because they communicate in readily understandable ways and serve as positive role models while dispelling misperceptions that most youth are engaging in inappropriate behaviors.

The focus of the Peer Counseling curriculum is preventative. It addresses a multitude of social, individual, school and family concerns. In the fall of 2009, a sampling of peer counseling coordinators in middle and high schools were asked to list their top three areas addressed through peer counseling in their school communities. As a result, the top three areas noted were: violence prevention/intervention, substance abuse prevention/intervention and academic challenges as the most common referrals.

In order to assist school with their area of concern, trained peer counselors act as conflict mediators and academic tutors, provide classroom presentations on teen issues, welcome new students, and promote violence prevention, which includes anti-bullying programs in schools to address the individual/group needs of students. During the 2008/09 school year, trained peer counselors conducted over 2600 conflict meditations, individual counseling, and academic interventions/tutoring sessions across the District in middle and high schools. A variety of intervention strategies are employed to educate and motivate students or to involve trained professionals, when needed. The results can be a more positive and safer school climate, healthier students and staff with lower stress levels, and a better utilization of school and community resources.
At Westglades Middle School, Peer Counseling is open to upcoming 7th and 8th grade students. A committee consisting of teachers, guidance counselors and administrators will select peer Counselors. Selections are based upon academic performance, leadership, and a strong desire to help others.

Students who wish to become Peer Counselors should be socially mature and well adjusted, have excellent behavior, possess strong refusal skills, and be able to handle and discuss difficult subjects. In order to achieve success in the program, students are expected to be disciplined in time management, maintaining client records, turning in class assignments, meeting deadlines and be able to adhere to a strict privacy code. This purpose of this class is for students to assist others. Even though it may help strengthen self-esteem, it is not viewed as a class to deal with personal problems and issues.

It is important to emphasize that due to the overwhelming number of applicants meeting the criteria for the Peer Counseling Program and the limitation of class size, a lottery system will be used to determine final placement.

A student who wishes to become a peer counselor should obtain an application from the sixth or seventh grade level office or download the application from this website. All completed applications and recommendation form should be submitted to Mrs. Wilson in the 7th grade office by the posted deadline.