Lead the Way:
Engaging Youth in School-Based Health Care

Introduction

NASBHC is proud to present Lead the Way: Engaging Youth in School-Based Health Care, a youth engagement toolkit developed for NASBHC by the Illinois Coalition for School Health Centers  and the California School Health Center Association with support from the Atlantic Philanthropies. The information in this reference guide is intended for school-based health care personnel interested in better integrating youth into their school-based health center (SBHC) activities as well as building the capacity of the youth they serve. 

(Photo: California School Health Centers Association 2010-2011 Youth Board members with the Balboa Teen Health Center Youth Advisory Board )

Rationale

Children and youth are the most important actors in school-based health care. As the primary stakeholders in school-based health centers (SBHCs), youth can offer critical support in SBHC development and service delivery, as well as advocacy for school-based health services. Effective SBHCs recognize the necessity of youth participation in decision-making processes and engage youth in various aspects of the health center.

Format

The toolkit is divided into eight sections that provide step-by-step instructions and tips on how to recruit youth, develop their skills, and cultivate relationships with youth and their parents. Only the first section is free and available to the public.

NASBHC members can access the full toolkit along with its accompanying pieces by visiting our Member Center. Not a member? Become one today. 

Table of Contents
Section 1: Rationale for Youth Engagement
Section 2: Program Models
Section 3: Recruiting and Retaining Youth Leaders
Section 4: Developing Youth Leadership Skills
Section 5: Adult Coordinator Role
Section 6: Cultivating Parent Support
Section 7: Youth Leadership Networks
Section 8: Communicating and Promoting Youth Engagement Efforts

Listen to the "Lead the Way" webinar to learn more about the toolkit and how two groups are involving youth in their school-based health centers.

Acknowledgements

This toolkit was developed for the National Assembly on School-Based Health Care (NASBHC) by the California School Health Centers Association and the Illinois Coalition for School Health Centers with support from The Atlantic Philanthropies.