Implementing a Peer Support Mentor Program in a University Setting: A Quality Improvement Project

Abstract

Transitioning from high school to college is a pivotal milestone in a student's life, often marked by new experiences and challenges. This transition can be particularly difficult for students moving away from homes, cities, or states for the first time; first-generation students; and international students. Students face ongoing stressors such as academic pressure, social isolation, and financial burdens, which can exacerbate symptoms of mental health. The purpose of this quality improvement project is to develop a Peer Health and Wellness Ambassador Program at a Midwestern medium-sized college to improve students' mental health outcomes, foster a sense of belonging, and enhance academic performance.