The initiative is led by the university’s Counseling and Wellness Services and is designed to make health and wellness more approachable and empower students to take an active role in their own health.
Wright State University has launched a new initiative through its Counseling and Wellness Services, called the Students Providing Advocacy, Resources and Knowledge (SPARK) Peer Education Program. SPARK is designed to promote health and wellness on campus and empower students to advocate and connect with fellow community members.
According to an article on Wright State University’s website, Sara Baker, who serves as the health and wellness program manager for Counseling and Wellness Services, was quoted as saying of the SPARK program, “Our goal is that students won’t be afraid to ask for help, that they feel empowered to make decisions to benefit the well-being of themselves and their community, and that the peer educators serve as that bridge to provide connection and education, particularly to those who may not seek formal services. Long-term, we are looking to be a sustainable model for peer education, where peer educators can deliver evidence-based education on health topics most relevant to college students through outreach, workshops and events. I want the peer educators to be a recognizable resource across campus.”
The SPARK program first launched in January 2026 in response to the university’s concerns about its student body. In Wright State University's 2023 Healthy Minds Study, roughly one-third of students reported feeling depressed, roughly one-third of students reported feelings of anxiety, and nearly two-thirds of students reported feeling left out or isolated.
There are currently six students serving as SPARK peer educators. The peer educators are from undergraduate and graduate programs in psychology, public health, and related fields. These students will help their fellow classmates by normalizing conversations about mental health, increasing awareness of the resources that are available on campus, and encouraging healthy choices.
One peer mentor, Chand Firdous, said, “Sometimes students may not be ready to seek formal support. A conversation with a peer educator can be an easier first step to help students recognize that support is available and that taking care of their well-being is an important part of the college experience. I joined SPARK because I wanted to help create a campus environment where wellness feels like a normal part of student life. As a student, I have seen how academic responsibilities, transitions and everyday stressors can impact students, and I wanted to be a part of making wellness conversations more visible and approachable.”
Fellow peer mentor Mona Karimzadeh said, “By this time next year, along with strengthening my own leadership and communication skills, I hope to have made a meaningful contribution to the campus community by helping students feel supported and empowered to prioritize their well-being and succeed both academically and personally.”
Peer mentors design and lead wellness initiatives, host educational programs, develop materials to help individuals explore mental health, and help students connect with available resources. In addition to the experience being beneficial for the students being assisted by peer mentors, the peer mentors themselves will gain hands-on experience in leadership, public speaking, health promotion, program planning, data analysis, and community engagement.
For more information about Wright State University, visit the school’s website.