Student Health Advocates

Who are the OSBHA Student Health Advocates?

Youth voice is a critical priority for us at the Oregon-School Based Health Alliance (OSBHA). Student Health Advocates (SHA) promote the value of school-based health across Oregon. OSBHA offers this leadership opportunity to young people in high school and college across Oregon who are interested in becoming a voice not only for their own health but for the health of their peers and community. This year's cohort will work on youth engagement emphasizing consent, healthy relationships and bodily autonomy, particularly supporting health relationships among Black youth in Oregon. OSBHA will partner with Black and Beyond the Binary Collective to unite Umoja Youth and OSBHA SHA groups for joint advocacy and health justice efforts.

What do the Student Health Advocates do?

  • Create a peer education curriculum empowering students to learn their rights and advocate for services and protections

  • Represent school-based health centers across Oregon

  • Advocate for equitable and youth-centered legislative efforts

  • Provide feedback on your experience seeking healthcare as a youth in Oregon and ideas on how to improve school health services

  • Participate in OSBHA events, such as School Health Advocacy Day and OSBHA's annual conference

  • Work collectively within diverse communities and settings

How do I connect with the Student Health Advocates for an event, workshop, or training?

If you have any questions or would like to get in touch with OSBHA Student Health Advocates, please contact Asia Gates, Youth Engagement Specialist, at asia@osbha.org.

How do I become a Student Health Advocate?

The 2024-2025 cohort application is closed. Check back in September 2025 about the next cohort application.

Benefits of becoming a Student Health Advocate

  • Leadership opportunities

  • Positive impact on your community

  • Relationship and team-building skills

  • Policy & advocacy skills

  • Deepened relationship to social justice

  • $300 stipend compensation if 13 out of the 16 meetings are attended


FAQ: Student Health Advocates

Who is eligible to apply?

Youth living in the state of Oregon between the ages of 14-22.

What is the time commitment?

The Student Health Advocates meet two times a month in the early evening.

I don’t have past leadership experience. Can I still apply?

Yes! We believe passion and willingness to learn are two key components in being a successful Student Health Advocate. Plus, you can and will get leadership experience when you join.

I’ve never participated in a group like this before. What if I don’t fit in?

At the beginning of the program, we will create community agreements in order to maintain and uphold a safe and inclusive environment. We will also plan team building activities throughout the school year to help build relationships within the group! Don’t forget you will be joining a group that shares the same interest in health equity as you. You already have something in common!

I have accessibility needs, will you be providing accommodations?

Yes! We have a spot on the application form asking if you have accessibility needs, please be sure to fill out what your needs are. We will make sure you have what you need to be successful in applying and beyond.

How will I get paid? Do I need a bank account?

We give a $300 stipend per SHA member if 13 out of 16 meetings are attended. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.

I’ve applied. Now what?

OSBHA will look at submissions from the application form once the deadline has closed on September 30th at 7pm PDT, and we will reach out to you the following week on next steps.

Who should I contact for further information?

For more information please contact Asia Gates, the Youth Engagement Specialist at asia@osbha.org.