Peer Health Education
Through events, workshops, marketing campaigns and more, Capital Peers serve as educators and role models for GW students related to all things health and wellness. Students who participate in the Capital Peers program are nationally certified peer educators through the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) affiliate, BACCHUS Network.
Vision and Mission of Capital Peers
The vision for the Capital Peers is to be a preeminent group of student leaders who influence and inspire GW students to prioritize health and wellness within themselves and the GW student community. GW Capital Peers are a diverse group of students whose mission is to educate, promote, and inspire GW students to live healthy lives. Through education and outreach on various college student health topics, Capital Peers equip their peers to practice healthy living to help them achieve success in college.
See the Capital Peers' Latest Campaign!
Executive Board
| President | Julia Hyatt |
| Vice President, Membership | Christian Garcia |
| Vice President, Communications | Reese Holtzman |
| Vice President, Outreach | Melissa Owusu-Ansah |
| Secretary | Jillian Noble |
| Nutrition and Body Image Task Force Liaison | Victoria Pham |
| Sexual Health and Healthy Relationships Task Force Liaison | Nicole Dimock |
| Stress Management and Emotional Well-being Task Force Liaison | Kendall Koval |
| Social Well-being and Connectedness Task Force Liaison | Reese Holtzman |
| Podcast Manager | Shreya Papneja |
Connect with the Capital Peers
Follow the Capital Peers on Instagram for tips and resources to prioritize health and well-being within yourself and the GW community.
The Capital Peers Podcast familiarizes students with different campus well-being resources and student organizations.
Listen to the Capital Peers Podcast on Spotify
Get Involved
Capital Peers are part of the Office of Student Life and support the Division for Student Affairs through:
- Programming
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- Educating students on health and well-being topics by facilitating events, workshops, and presentations
- Staffing outreach and health assessment contact tables
- Planning, organizing and facilitating health and well-being events based on student needs and/or campus requests
- Collaborating with other student organizations and departments to promote well-being and educate students on relevant health topics
- Recruitment & Membership
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- Assisting with the recruitment of new members to the Capital Peers program
- Planning team building events for Capital Peers members
- Assisting with the development and facilitation of training for the Capital Peers
- Leadership
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- Acting as a positive role model for other students by participating in healthy lifestyle choices and behaviors
- Providing an open-minded and nonjudgmental approach to health and well-being topics with GW students
- Offering education about available resources to students looking for or needing extra support
- Acting as a positive role model for other students by participating in healthy lifestyle choices and behaviors
- Providing an open-minded and nonjudgmental approach to health and well-being topics with GW students
- Offering education about available resources to students looking for or needing extra support
How do I become a Capital Peer?
Applications for the Capital Peers program are available during the fall semester. Selected applicants must participate in the Certified Peer Educator training program developed by NASPA's BACCHUS Network in January. After successful completion of the program, students will become Certified Peer Educators and are expected to serve a minimum of two semesters as a Capital Peer.
In addition to becoming a Certified Peer Educator, students participating in the Capital Peers program will develop valuable leadership skills, such as:
- Event planning
- Public speaking
- Creating, organizing, and implementing health promotion campaigns and initiatives
- Goal setting and evaluation of health education outcomes
- Interpersonal communication
- Networking with student organizations and university departments
- Working with a diverse student body
Eligibility Criteria
Both undergraduate and graduate students are welcome to apply to the Capital Peers program. Students must also meet the following criteria to apply or be a part of the Capital Peers program.
The student must be in good academic standing with the university:
- Not on academic probation
- Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5
- Be in good conduct standing with the university
The student must serve as a positive role model and be representative of the Division for Student Affairs in the following ways:
- Model desired behaviors for peers
- Display team-oriented behavior
- Possess a positive attitude
- Demonstrate an openness to learning, growing, and working with students of diverse backgrounds
If you have any questions about the Capital Peers program, please email [email protected].