Schools play a vital role in supporting the whole child, academically, socially and emotionally. Through strong partnerships with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH), schools across the county have access to programs that elevate youth voice, empower families and connect students to critical health and wellbeing resources. Watch this Ed Buzz video and read more below for an overview of key Public Health programs available to support school communities.

Youth Advisory Council (YAC)

The Youth Advisory Council brings together high school and college students from across Los Angeles County to elevate youth voice in public health decision-making. Using a Positive Youth Development framework, the Council engages young people as leaders and solution-builders, rather than passive recipients of services.

Youth members work alongside Public Health leadership to address real-world issues affecting adolescents, including mental health, substance use prevention, environmental justice, sexual and reproductive health, and the impact of social media. Through youth-led projects, listening sessions and mentorship, students gain leadership skills while helping shape prevention strategies that are youth-informed and culturally responsive.

For schools, the Youth Advisory Council strengthens student engagement, promotes belonging and civic participation, and supports healthier, safer school climates.

Parent Ambassador Leaders (PALs) Program

The Parent Ambassador Leaders (PALs) program empowers parents and guardians to serve as trusted health ambassadors within their school communities. Parents apply to participate at their child’s school and receive training from Public Health on key health and wellbeing topics.

After training, PALs collaborate with school staff to share resources, host workshops and plan activities tailored to their community’s needs, from mental health support and restorative practices to substance use prevention and family engagement. PALs receive a $500 stipend at the end of each semester in recognition of their leadership and commitment.

Schools report that PALs strengthen parent engagement, elevate voices that are often underrepresented and improve communication between families, schools and community partners. The program creates meaningful pathways for parents to contribute to school wellbeing efforts.

Help Me Grow LA (HMG LA)

Help Me Grow LA supports families raising children with developmental, behavioral or emotional concerns by helping them navigate complex systems of care. The program is staffed by Family Partners, parents who have firsthand experience raising children with special health care needs.

Family Partners provide culturally responsive guidance, emotional support and practical assistance, connecting families to developmental, behavioral, therapeutic and social services. Embedded within local communities and Wellness Community sites, Family Partners respond quickly and effectively to families’ needs.

By coaching caregivers to become informed advocates for their children, Help Me Grow LA strengthens family resilience and ensures children receive support as early as possible, improving long-term outcomes for students and families.

Student Wellbeing Centers (SWBCs)

Student Wellbeing Centers are located in 47 middle and high school campuses across Los Angeles County and provide youth-focused substance use prevention, mental health support, and sexual health education and services for students ages 12–18.

By offering services directly on campus, students can access support in a safe, welcoming environment without missing instructional time. Centers also engage parents and school communities through education, outreach and partnerships.

Student feedback highlights the impact of these centers, with the vast majority of students reporting positive experiences and recommending the services to peers. SWBCs help schools meet growing student health needs while supporting academic success.

Peer Health Advocate (PHA) Program

The Peer Health Advocate Program empowers students to become leaders in health education and advocacy on their campuses. Students develop skills in public speaking, leadership and workshop facilitation while serving as trusted sources of health information for their peers.

Through peer-led advocacy projects, students identify gaps in their school communities and work toward meaningful change. Public Health supports schools by providing curriculum, training, technical assistance and stipends for participating students and advisors.

By centering youth voice and lived experience, the PHA program helps shift school culture, foster student leadership and create sustainable improvements in student health and wellbeing.

Each of these programs reflects a shared commitment to supporting student health, strengthening families and building healthier school communities. Through collaboration between schools, parents, students and Public Health, Los Angeles County continues to invest in the wellbeing of the whole child — ensuring students have the support they need to thrive in school and beyond.