Mission
To empower teenagers with the skills, self-respect, and knowledge needed to make healthy decision about their bodies and their futures. To train and support college students to educate teenagers in their communities about health issues.
What We Do
Community Health Educators (CHE) writes and presents health education workshops in New Haven public schools. CHE is comprised of Yale undergrads, providing a unique potential for peer-to-peer discussions. We present accurate, practical, and reliable information in a non-threatening, informal environment using language, examples, and activities that are relevant to students. We impart knowledge rather than dictate behavior, empowering students to make healthy decisions for themselves.
History
Community Health Educators was founded in 1999 in direct response to community need. At the time, the New Haven public school district lacked an institutionalized program of health education for its students. A counselor from Wilbur Cross High School, the largest high school in New Haven, approached a Dwight Hall Public School Intern to express his concern. Six intrepid Yalies responded by founding Community Health Educators.
Over the past fifteen years, the membership of CHE has expanded to include over 150 volunteers. CHE currently presents workshops in twenty-four high schools and middle schools throughout New Haven, reaching over two thousand students each year. CHE works consistently with the New Haven School Board's Department of Social Development, public school administrators, teachers, and students to develop the most effective strategies in response to the the community's changing and challenging needs.
Over the past fifteen years, the membership of CHE has expanded to include over 150 volunteers. CHE currently presents workshops in twenty-four high schools and middle schools throughout New Haven, reaching over two thousand students each year. CHE works consistently with the New Haven School Board's Department of Social Development, public school administrators, teachers, and students to develop the most effective strategies in response to the the community's changing and challenging needs.
Funding
Community Health Educators receives funding from Dwight Hall, the Center for Public Service and Social Justice at Yale, and the Yale Undergraduate Organizations Funding Committee.
