Learn about two successful strategies to engage youth in school attendance and achievement: the power of peers and the power of speaking their strengths out loud. Hear about ways that schools have bolstered support for students with mental health needs through peer education and action and the compelling story of one young person who was inspired to beat the odds and attain her diploma through one simple sentence spoken to her by a teacher.

The National Center for Youth Opportunity and Justice (NCYOJ) originally developed and maintained this podcast. The NCYOJ was operated by Policy Research, Inc. and operated from 2001 to 2022 and was formerly known as the National Center for Mental Health and Juvenile Justice. The NCYOJ improved life opportunities for youth through systems and practice improvement initiatives.

This podcast should be viewed as a reference. It has not been updated since its publication. In addition, this podcast does not have a transcript. If you would like a transcript of this podcast, please email [email protected].

This podcast was first shared in 2017.