Hope Squad

Hope Squad is a peer-to-peer suicide prevention program committed to promoting positive mental health within our school community. Originally founded in Utah in 2004, the program has since expanded across the United States and Canada—including all secondary schools in the West Allis-West Milwaukee (WAWM) School District.

Hope Squad members are nominated by their peers for their trustworthiness, kindness, and compassionate nature. Once selected, they receive specialized training to recognize warning signs of distress and connect fellow students with trusted adults for support. While members are not counselors or therapists, they are equipped with the skills to serve as empathetic listeners and caring advocates.

Throughout the year, Hope Squad leads impactful events and presentations that raise awareness, reduce stigma, and foster a culture of support. Their ongoing training emphasizes suicide prevention, active listening, empathy, and problem-solving, empowering them to create a safe and welcoming environment where students look out for one another and promote mental wellness across the school.