By Aaron Allen, The Seattle Medium
The City of Seattle has launched a youth-led mental health and safety initiative at five public high schools, placing students at the center of efforts to connect their peers with resources, reduce stigma surrounding mental health, and strengthen community safety.
The Youth Safety Ambassadors program, co-managed by the Seattle Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL) and the Seattle Human Services Department, operates at Chief Sealth, Franklin, Garfield, Ingraham and Rainier Beach high schools.
Rather than relying solely on traditional adult-led outreach, the program empowers students to help design awareness campaigns, connect classmates with resources, and promote conversations about mental health and community well-being.
According to DEEL, the program was developed after extensive community outreach revealed that many students were not utilizing available mental health and support services despite significant need.
“After engaging in countless listening sessions with students, families, educators, and community members across Seattle, the Department of Education & Early Learning (DEEL) recognized the need for a new approach to addressing the challenges facing our young people,” said Dr. Dwane Chappelle, director of DEEL. “Too often, adults talk about youth or talk to youth without creating meaningful opportunities for them to help shape the solutions. We wanted to change that dynamic by inviting students to have a seat at the table and contribute their perspectives, ideas, and lived experiences.”
The inaugural cohort includes 12 ambassadors who have spent the school year helping design youth-centered outreach materials, supporting wellness events and building connections among students across the five schools.
For the students involved, the program has provided an opportunity to redefine what safety and mental wellness mean from a youth perspective.
“Mental health wellness means being in tune with your mental health, and community safety to me means being able to say what you want and go where you want without any fear,” said Ali Syllah, a sophomore at Garfield High School.
Jade-Marie Warren, a senior at Garfield, shared a similar vision.
“Mental health and community safety to me means being able to walk outside without pepper spray,” said Warren. “Knowing that you’ll never be on the wrong path because you have a neighbor and a whole community supporting you and having your back.”
Chappelle said city leaders believe students are often more receptive to messages delivered by their peers than by adults.
“We believe young people are often more receptive to messages and encouragement from their peers than from another adult telling them what they should do,” said Chappelle. “Through authentic relationships and shared experiences, Youth Safety Ambassadors can help build trust, strengthen connections, and foster a greater sense of belonging.”
According to DEEL, participants receive training in leadership, public speaking, community organizing, peer mentorship and youth mental health awareness. Ambassadors also receive ongoing mentorship from educators, program staff and community partners while helping shape outreach efforts within their schools.
In addition to mental health advocacy, the program encourages students to take active leadership roles in promoting community safety and positive conflict resolution.
Several students said the program has helped them build confidence while creating opportunities to support their peers.
“My experience with the YSA program has been great, full of life and trustworthy people,” said Dae’Von Collins, a senior at Rainier Beach High School. “I’ve learned things and taught them as well.”
Yerusalem Moore, a sophomore at Ingraham High School, said the experience encouraged personal growth.
“After participating in the YSA program this year, I have learned the importance of leadership, teamwork, and stepping outside of my comfort zone,” said Moore. “This experience helped me grow more confident in myself while building stronger connections with others in my community.”
Sabrina Abdulkarim, also a sophomore at Ingraham, said the program helps students take an active role in addressing challenges affecting their communities.
“Having the opportunity to be a youth safety ambassador, we are determined to advocate for the safety of our peers,” said Abdulkarim. “Addressing these challenges requires a community-building approach. Providing programs, spaces, mentors, and other resources will have a positive impact in reducing the lack of security and freedom we experience in our communities.”
The ambassadors are also tackling difficult mental health issues through peer support and early intervention.
“Stopping someone at self-harm can stop things from getting worse,” said Erick Macial, a sophomore at Rainier Beach High School. “Stopping the cause of self-harm solves more problems along the way because to solve self-harm, you need to find out why the person is doing it.”
Ultimately, students involved in the program say one of its most important goals is ensuring that young people know they are not alone.
“To me, [safety] means to not only feel safe and secure in your surroundings, but also knowing that we will be okay to get to Point A to Point B, and making sure you have someone to talk to if your head is feeling unsure,” said Tahlia Price, a senior at Rainier Beach High School.
The current cohort is helping develop a broader youth-led mental health awareness campaign scheduled to launch across the five schools in fall 2026.
Applications for the 2026-27 Youth Safety Ambassadors cohort are expected to open soon. Students attending Chief Sealth, Franklin, Garfield, Ingraham and Rainier Beach high schools who are interested in mental health advocacy, peer mentorship and community safety initiatives are encouraged to apply.
