Grades 9–12 • Union City, New Jersey

The Peer Group Connection (PGC) at Emerson High School consists of seniors, trained as leaders to develop and implement facilitation skills. They help freshmen transition to high school. Faculty and the 16 seniors selected for the program undergo summer training and follow-up during the year. The PGC seniors take a weekly for-credit class, and meet with their freshmen protégés every Wednesday. The PGC fosters good character by being positive role models. They discuss topics such as how to handle peer pressure, the student as a member of the school community, and time management skills, among other things. The freshmen learn by role-play how to handle obstacles that arise during high school. The PGC plans school-wide assemblies and student activities, and serves as a bridge between the administration and the student body. Princeton University evaluates the PGC by survey and through feedback and comments from parents during the Parents Nights held through the year. Results have shown that attendance among the PGC seniors and their freshmen protégés has improved and involvement in student activities has increased.

www.union-city.k12.nj.us/schools/uchs/ehs/