Is Hope Squad Asking Too Much of Students? Not When They're Set Up to Thrive

Editior's Note: This article was edited for clarity on September 18, 2025.

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Is being part of Hope Squad too much pressure for students?

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It’s a valid question–and one we often hear from parents, educators, and sometimes even students themselves. Supporting peers through mental health challenges can feel like a heavy responsibility. ‍

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But here’s the truth: Hope Squad is carefully designed to empower students–not overwhelm them.

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A Heavy Topic–and a Valid Concern

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Most adults did not grow up in a world where mental health was openly discussed, making these topics feel unfamiliar or even scary. But today’s world is different. Kids are having conversations about mental health or being exposed to these topics online, at school, and in their communities.  

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As caring adults, our instinct is to protect students, and the idea of serving as a peer support can seem like a heavy responsibility.

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That’s why it’s essential to understand how Hope Squad equips students for this role—and how, for many, being part of Hope Squad lightens the weight they feel. As one member shared:

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“In my personal experience, being part of Hope Squad hasn't put more pressure on me in any way. Instead, it has helped me to know how to react in high-pressure situations, making me more prepared and able to help people.”

-Vaasu Patel, MI

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Hope Squad Members Are Connectors, Not Counselors

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Hope Squad Members are trained to listen, recognize warning signs, and connect peers with trusted adults. Through instruction from Certified Hope Squad Advisors in each school, students learn that their role is about being aware, showing kindness, practicing inclusion, and making connections–not solving crises.

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This clarity of purpose, paired with ongoing training and adult support, helps students feel confident rather than overwhelmed. As another Member put it:

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“While the responsibility is serious, Hope Squad provides strong training and support to help us manage it. We’re not expected to solve problems on our own—our role is to be a caring friend and connector to adults.”

-Anika Sharma, TX

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Hope Squad Members know that their job is to simply show up with compassion, listen with care, and connect peers to the help they need.

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Protecting Members’ Mental Health

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Caring Advisors aren’t the only support built into Hope Squad programming: Self-care is a core component of Hope Squad’s curriculum. From the beginning, students at all levels learn about coping strategies, how to set boundaries, and the importance of protecting their own emotional well-being.

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It’s also important to note that participation in Hope Squad is always voluntary. Even after being nominated, students can opt out or step back at any time if they feel overwhelmed. In fact, Hope Squad Members learn that protecting their own mental health is just as important as helping others.  

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As two Members shared:

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“Hope Squad curriculum does a great job of teaching us the value of self-care. I have learned that self-care is not selfish! Setting boundaries and making sure you feel okay is extremely important, especially when avoiding burnout.”

-Kallie Sage, FL

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" Hope Squad has actually helped me learn how to manage my stress. In our curriculum, we learn many things, one being how to handle stress. Being in Hope Squad has taught me not only how to help other people but also how to help myself!”

-Kambry Merrill, OK

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Trained and Supported, Every Step of the Way

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Hope Squad members receive developmentally appropriate gatekeeper training using the HOPE Approach. This easy-to-remember framework teaches students to keep their Heads Up, Offer support, Provide resources and connections to trusted adults, and Empower their peers to seek help.

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Furthermore, Hope Squad doesn't rely on a one-time training; it’s a sustained system of connection and support. Members meet regularly with trained Advisors who guide them in building mental health awareness and peer-connection skills. Perhaps most importantly, Advisors ensure students never carry concerns alone. With this ongoing support and intentional program design, more than 99% of Advisors agree that Hope Squad is not too much pressure for Members.

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As one Hope Squad Member elaborated:

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“In my school, our Hope Squad Advisor checks in with us frequently about any students we are concerned about to ensure they receive the help they need. They also ask about how we are doing, about our stress levels, and what help we need.”

-Navina Devarajan, UT

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By combining structured training with ongoing Advisor guidance, Hope Squad ensures Members are both prepared and supported, building a sustainable model for student-led mental health support.

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What Students Gain from Hope Squad

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Hope Squad members do give of themselves in their roles, but both survey data and student feedback show that they gain even more in return. Members report growth in leadership, communication, empathy, and confidence --skills that serve them far beyond their time in the program.

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The numbers speak for themselves: 93.5% of Members report satisfaction from their work on Hope Squad, and 94.7% of parents say the program has been a positive experience for their children.

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And while numbers tell part of the story, the real impact shines through the voices of Members themselves:

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I've learned to take initiative. The ability to confidently engage in personal, vulnerable conversations with others has the largest impact on those in crisis, and Hope Squad has trained me to act promptly in the interest of others. This skill proves valuable beyond the world of suicide prevention and has helped me grow as a leader who isn't afraid of failure or risk-taking.”
— Grant Bombersbach, TX

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“From Hope Squad, I’ve learned to listen to people and truly empathize with their situation. It’s a life skill that makes me a better person, friend, and sister!”
— Elle Riva, OH

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These students --and thousands more like them--aren’t just learning to support their peers. Through Hope Squad’s programming they’re also developing the skills to lead with compassion, communicate with confidence, and build meaningful relationships that can last a lifetime.

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Final Thoughts

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At Hope Squad, we understand the concern that supporting others could feel like too much for students to carry. But time and time again, we've seen that with the right training, consistent support, and a clear understanding of their role, Members not only manage the responsibility—they grow through it.

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Hope Squad isn’t about asking students to take on more—it’s about giving them the tools, language, and support to show up for one another in a healthy, empowering way.‍

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In doing so, students don’t just help peers—they grow as leaders, communicators, and compassionate individuals. As Members often tell us, being part of Hope Squad doesn’t weigh them down; it lifts them up, equipping them with skills and confidence that last a lifetime.