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HOPE Seekers

HOPE Seekers — which stands for Honoring Our Power and Emotions — is TRC’s peer-led mental health curriculum, developed in partnership with UNC’s Gillings School of Public Health. Over a 7-week program, high school students build real mental health skills, then learn to lead and share them with their peers.

What participants gain:

Mental Health Education

Mental Health Education

Practical tools and knowledge for navigating youth mental wellness, including healthy boundaries, conflict resolution, and stress management
Peer Leadership

Peer Leadership

The chance to lead sessions with other young people and build lasting peer support networks
Professional Connections

Professional Connections

Networking with researchers and professionals from UNC Chapel Hill
A Resume-Ready Credential

A Resume-Ready Credential

A meaningful addition to any college or job application
A Stipend

A Stipend

Awarded upon full completion of the program
A Path Forward

A Path Forward

Graduates have the opportunity to return as formally trained HOPE Seekers facilitators

Frequently Asked

Questions

Who it's for?

High school students ages 14–18.

Sessions are held weekly at TRC’s Raleigh location (216 S. Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC 27601) over a 7-week commitment.

HOPE Seekers is developed and refined in ongoing partnership with UNC’s Gillings School of Public Health. Since 2025, TRC has trained new facilitators and is working to expand the program across the Triangle.

Interested in joining?

Sign up to become a future HOPE Seekers cohort, or referring a young person.

HOPE Seekers Interest Form

HOPE Seekers is one part of TRC’s broader commitment to mental health — see how we support youth well-being across all our programs on the Mental Health page.