Hope Squad is a peer-to-peer, school-based program built around the power of connection that aims to reduce youth suicide risk through education, training, community partnerships, and cultural change. Program outcomes include a reduction of youth suicide and stigma surrounding mental health challenges, increased referrals to (or solicitation of help) parents or other trusted adults, and improvement of mental health knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy of Hope Squad members.

First implemented in 2004 at Timpview High School in Provo, Utah, Hope Squads are now in over 1,600 schools in the United States and Canada. The program has been successfully implemented in elementary schools (grades 4-6), middle schools (grades 6-8) and high schools (grades 9-12). The program closely partners with schools, communities, and mental health agencies to change the public conversation about suicide and mental health.

Teams of 8-10 students per grade, called Hope Squads, are nominated by their peers, trained, and overseen by school staff dedicated to the program. Hope Squad members receive extensive training in QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer), suicide warning signs, peer outreach, and self-care. They identify and respond to peers in need, then provide warm hand-offs to school staff and local mental health agencies. Hope Squad members also coordinate a yearly, school-wide event called Hope Week. This week is dedicated to suicide prevention awareness and mental wellness activities, and Hope Squad members play an active role in educating their family and friends on issues related to suicide prevention and mental health. Besides Hope Week, Hope Squads organized school-wide activities to not only share what they learn, but to promote inclusion and connectedness within the school.