Paying it Forward: A Teen PEP Family Story
A Pay-it-Forward Award
CSS recently received a $10,000 award from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, in recognition of our contributions to New Jersey students and faculty through our peer-to-peer comprehensive sexual health education program, the Teen Prevention Education Program (Teen PEP). Patti Higgins, Interim Deputy Director, Grants Management at Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, nominated CSS for this award.
As a parent of two children who served as Teen PEP peer educators, Patti wanted to pay forward the good experience she and her children had, knowing CSS would put the award money to good use in supporting other student leaders.
A Family Who Teen PEPs Together...
We met with Patti and her children, Erin and Kyle, to thank them for their nomination and hear more about their experiences with Teen PEP. Immediately upon our Zoom call starting, you could feel the warmth radiating among them as they told stories from their 20-year memory bank.
What are some standout memories of Teen PEP?
Kyle and Erin recalled experiences on their 3-day retreats, and within the walls of the classroom and the hallways of Hightstown High School in New Jersey. “The retreat was epic and it was a glorious bonding experience,” noted Erin.
Patti remarked that it was “very cool to be a mom of peer educators” and recalled a difficult moment Kyle experienced during his time as a leader that was handled very well because of the resources Teen PEP provided.
She shared her gratitude for a program that helped both of her children feel seen and supported, and allowed them to grow.
What life skills have you gained from Teen PEP?
Kyle: "Active listening. Without question, this was one of the best skills I learned. And empathy-building. The retreat was a crash course in humanity…and through the program you build empathy both in exposure and specialized training.”
Erin: "I agree with Kyle and will add accountability. You know that this is not something to be taken lightly--you are a role model for students who are going to look up to you, and that doesn’t start or stop when you are at school.”
What was your greatest takeaway from Teen PEP?
Patti, Erin, and Kyle all agreed that Teen PEP fostered a growth in their perspectives on and outlooks about life, broadening their viewpoints and understanding what it means to be a part of a warm, kind, and inclusive group.
We are grateful for Kyle and Erin’s service as peer educators in creating these inclusive spaces, to Patti for supporting them through it, and to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for this gift that will enable us to continue partnering with schools in becoming more safe, supportive, engaging, and inspiring!
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