Online Courses & Discussion Groups

The asynchronous, self-paced, online learning courses that interns are assigned for homework each week. There are approximately 10 courses in Peer Academy. Some courses are taken over several weeks, depending on their length. Courses are completed in an online learning platform called InForm. It allows students to build upon their knowledge base and go in-depth on topics not addressed in trainings.

On Stipend Requirements

You are required to complete all modules assigned for the month.
You must attend 4 discussion groups per month. If you miss 1 discussion in a month, your stipend will not be impacted. If you miss 2 discussions in a month you will be disqualified from the stipend.

Topics Covered

Self Care and Building a Support System

Learn how to build your self-care plan and find a support system that will keep your mental health top-notch!

Facilitation 101

Learn the basics of facilitation, including preparing yourself and the environment, leading, and approaching common challenges. This class is specific to facilitating Peer Support Specialist roles.

Online Facilitation

Learn the ins and outs of facilitating online sessions, including unique challenges to online settings, platforms that can be used, as well as a review of the basics of facilitation.

Boundaries and the Drama Triangle

A boundary is creating and maintaining clear limits. They determine how others treat us, as well as drive our own decisions and behaviors. In this course, learn more about your boundaries and how to set boundaries that align with your values.

Supporting Other Confidently

Learn strategies and tactics that will help you to be a change agent. The course includes managing peer drift, mentalism, stigmatic language, and communicating effectively to promote change.

Problem Solving

Problem-solving strategies for peers and those that they support.

Cultural Competency

Learn and understand how to help peers of all cultures and backgrounds.

Peer Support 101

Peer Support Specialists are important members in the mental health support community! This course helps peer support specialists to better understand their role, expectations, and work as a Peer Support Specialist.

Intimate Partner Violence

Learn more about signs of intimate partner violence, challenges that arise when trying to leave an abusive relationship, and resources for those who wish to leave.

Substance Abuse

In the substance abuse course, you will learn more about the kinds of substances that are often abused and their effects. You will also learn more about effective recovery support methods.

The Two Parts

Online Coursework

You can expect weekly homework assignments for the duration of the internship
Assignments must be completed prior to your discussion group meeting
There are roughly 10 modules to complete

Discussion Groups

There will be 1 discussion group per week.
This is a time to digest and share what we learned that week together.

A Look at Inform

My Dashboard will show you all the courses you are currently enrolled in. You can then go in and start course or resume course to start your assignments.

Each course will include roughly 4-6 modules for you to complete. The course will include videos, readings, activities, online community conversations (different from discussion groups), and assessments.

All courses will follow the same format. You will find the course navigation on the left side of the page and the course material on the right. Each course also has a community that allows for a conversation on the materials being discussed. Some assignments will ask you to post to the community!

Just a reminder, courses will done in your own time but assignments must be completed before that week's discussion group.

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