PATCH Teen Programs
PATCH programs create space for teens to show up authentically and share their real ideas, experiences, and perspectives, so adults and organizations can truly listen and learn. Our PATCH Teens are hired, trained, and supported to do just that, while adults grow alongside them.
Because THEY are the experts.
PATCH Model for Youth Engagement
Youth-Adult Partnerships - Teens and adults work side by side, with trust, honesty, and mutual respect at the center.
Youth-Driven Programming - Adults handle the structure and behind-the-scenes work so teens can show up, share, and shine.
Employment - Being part of PATCH is a real job. Teens apply, interview, and are hired and paid for their expertise.
Education - Teens explore topics that matter - from mental health to racial justice to sexual health - with guest speakers, honest conversations, and space to grow.
Empowerment - Empowerment Teens are encouraged to explore their passions, share their stories, and recognize that their voice truly matters.
PATCH has given me SO much confidence in public speaking and self advocacy, a new and unique community of peers, opportunities in public health, insight, knowledge, compassion... and so many other things I'll never be able to put into words!" — PATCH Teen
What a Program Year Looks Like
Recruit & Hire - Teens apply, interview, and are hired to share their voice.
Train & Support - A 20-hour training builds skills and confidence, with a trusted adult Coordinator by their side every step of the way.
Show Up & Share - Teens facilitate workshops and consulting sessions, showing up as their true selves.
Listen & Learn - Adults and organizations gain real, authentic insight directly from youth.
Grow Together - Teens & adults build trust, meaningful relationships, and lasting impact.
Youth change - and so do we.
What PATCH Teens Do
PATCH Teens facilitate two powerful workshops and lead consulting sessions throughout the year — all focused on improving adolescent health and wellbeing, which is our sweet spot!
PATCH for Providers Workshop: A 90-minute workshop where PATCH Teens share their authentic insights into the concerns, preferences, and realities of today's youth in health care settings. By attending this workshop, health care professionals will:
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Truly understand what teens need and want from their health care experiences
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Feel more confident creating spaces where teens feel safe, respected, and heard
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Leave with real tools to improve the way they connect with and care for adolescent patients
"The PATCH for Providers Workshop was very informative and thought provoking. It really shed light on the teen perspective and ignited a passion to make sure they truly understand their rights and feel safe, protected, and educated." — Health Care Professional Participant
PATCH for Teens: Peer-to-Peer Workshop: A 60-minute workshop led by teens, for teens. By attending this workshop, youth will:
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Discover why their voice matters in health care settings
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Build the confidence to ask questions, speak up, and get the care they need and deserve
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Walk away with real tools to start taking charge of their own health and wellbeing
"This is a good program and it makes me feel more comfortable and confident for my next appointment 'cause I know it's okay to be shy but it's also important to speak up!" — PATCH for Teens: Peer-to-Peer Workshop Participant
Consulting Sessions: PATCH Teens lend their voice and perspective to the programs, policies, and initiatives of organizations working to improve adolescent health. In 60-90 minute focus-group style sessions, clients ask questions, teens share honest feedback, and real change follows. By attending a session, organizations will:
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Hear directly from teens about the real experiences, concerns, and perspectives that should be shaping their work
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Build confidence in authentically engaging youth voice in their programs, policies, and projects
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Walk away with concrete, teen-informed insights they can put to work immediately
"Every consulting session we've had with PATCH has helped us improve our work and make it more impactful for students." — PATCH Consulting Client
Recognized as a Best Practice by the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs
The Impact
Through PATCH, teens become expert presenters, powerful storytellers, and trusted resources for their peers — while adults and organizations gain the youth perspective they need to make their work truly effective.
What Teens Gain
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Safe spaces to explore identity and learn from peers
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Confidence, skills, and tools to take initiative
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Meaningful relationships and ways to impact their communities
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Recognition that their unique perspectives and contributions matter
The Lasting Impact
"PATCH helped me realize that my voice matters and my opinion matters."
— PATCH Alumni
The skills, confidence, and relationships teens build at PATCH don't stop when the program ends. Alumni carry what they've learned into everyday life, school, work, and their communities — continuing to make their voices heard and inspire change.
Don't just take our word for it — hear directly from PATCH alumni about what mattered most and how the program shaped their futures.
