September is Suicide Prevention Month—a time to raise awareness, break down stigma, and open conversations that can truly save lives. For schools, it’s also a chance to spotlight the incredible role young people play in supporting one another through the challenges of growing up in today’s world.

At CHADS Coalition, one program stands out in this mission: Hope Squad. Built on the power of peer connection and sponsored by the St. Louis Blues, Hope Squad equips students to recognize warning signs in their classmates, offer support, and connect them with trusted adults before small struggles become overwhelming crises.

We sat down with Alyssa Wilkinson, CHADS’ Hope Squad Program Coordinator, to talk about why this work matters, how students are uniquely positioned to make an impact, and what she envisions for the future of suicide prevention in schools.

Why Suicide Prevention Month Matters for Students

Young people today juggle more pressures than ever—grades, extracurriculars, friendships, family time, social media, and the constant pace of trends. It’s a lot.

“It’s normal to struggle with all those expectations,” Alyssa says. “But if we don’t know it’s normal, then it can be hard to put yourself out there to ask for help. We need to normalize that it’s okay to not be okay because someone will be there to help you.”

That’s where programs like Hope Squad come in—creating space for students to reach out, talk openly, and know they are not alone.

What Is Hope Squad?

At its core, Hope Squad is about peers helping peers. Students are trained to recognize when classmates may be feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or unsafe. They learn how to start difficult conversations and connect their peers with trusted adults who can provide further help.

“Hope Squad focuses on the peer-to-peer aspect of suicide prevention,” Alyssa explains. “Students intentionally reach out to those who may be struggling and know how to act in a preventative way. And when something feels too big or unsafe, they know how to bring in the adults who can step in with professional care.”

The Power of Peer Nomination

Unlike other leadership programs, Hope Squad members aren’t chosen by teachers or administrators. Their peers nominate them.

“These students spend day in and day out together and know who those beacons of hope are in their school,” Alyssa shares. “When the student body has the opportunity to nominate its members, you’re more likely to see people reaching out for support because there is already a basis of trust built through years of shared experiences.”

That trust makes all the difference. A student may hesitate to approach a teacher or counselor, but talking to a peer they already respect and feel comfortable with lowers the barrier to asking for help.

Why Students Are Uniquely Equipped

While adults bring wisdom and experience, students bring proximity. They notice the subtle shifts in mood, behavior, and engagement that may signal someone is struggling.

“Technology has advanced, society has changed, and trends come and go,” Alyssa reflects. “Students are very in touch with what matters to each other and may have more empathy as they cross the same bridges together.”

Skills That Save Lives

Hope Squad members are trained in practical strategies, including the HOPE approach:

Heads up – notice when something feels off.
Offer support – reach out with care.
Provide resources – connect peers to trusted adults and tools like 988.
Empower peers by reminding them they’re not alone and encouraging healthy coping skills.

They also focus on resilience, self-care, and building a culture of kindness in their schools.

“It’s very hard to help others when you feel like you’re struggling yourself,” Alyssa emphasizes. “We empower our students with knowledge and resources so they’re confident leaders, but also know how to step back and care for themselves when needed.”

Breaking Stigma, One Conversation at a Time

One of the most powerful impacts of Hope Squad is how it changes the culture of a school. Students learn how to talk about feelings—both the hard ones and the joyful ones.

“When students know the signs and the right questions to ask their peers, it makes it easier for the person in need to ask for help because the conversation has been started for them,” Alyssa says. “That decreases the stigma around these conversations and creates a culture of acceptance.”

At Jefferson Intermediate, Hope Squad members have already connected at least 10 students with guidance counselors for support—whether that meant food resources, counseling services, or simply a caring adult to listen. Beyond those individual moments, the school community has embraced the program, inviting Hope Squad into class parties, professional development, and more.

The Bigger Picture

So what should the broader community understand about Hope Squad’s role?

“While the solutions to big emotions can be too challenging for young people to navigate on their own, that doesn’t mean we can’t equip them with the tools to ask for help,” Alyssa notes. “These are skills they will take into adulthood to create healthy environments in their communities. Sometimes all we need is to talk to someone who understands—and often, that person is a peer.”

Her message of encouragement this Suicide Prevention Month is simple but powerful: “Hope can save a life. Our Squad Members are beacons of light in their school to remind students that there is always someone there to be your bridge to support.”

Want to bring Hope Squad to your school? Contact Alyssa Wilkinson at alyssa@chadscoalition.org to learn how.

Hope in Action: How Students Are Leading the Way in Suicide Prevention