Peer Assistance Leadership and Services

Peer Assistance Leadership and Service (PALS) is an effective program that provides comprehensive training for students to help develop positive, supportive, and helpful peer relationships in their schools.

Eaton RESA, along with Gateway Community Services and Lansing School District, developed the PALS program in the 80s. Today there are 30 area middle and high schools that participate in the PALS program in Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, and Shiawassee counties.

Research has shown that students can be very effective in helping their peers combat problems such as:

violence and conflicts in schools
drug abuse
alienation and teen pregnancy
truancy and drop out

These young people change the climate of their school by learning about:

communication skills including listening, empathy, and assertive communication
group dynamics
self-awareness
effective decision-making
problem-solving and conflict resolution

PALS Mission Statement

Peer Assistance Leadership and Service (PALS) is committed to providing students with trained peer helpers who promote a positive, supportive and productive school experience for students throughout the district.