Become a sex-pert!

Thank you for your interest in SHEP. The application process for 2008-2009 has now closed. Please check back in February 2009 for the next recruitment cycle. If you have any questions, please contact Karen Gee, the interim staff coordinator, at or (510) 642-7202.

"Being a peer educator is about engaging in open discourse about sex and sexuality and becoming the go-to person about anything related to sexual health. Being a part of SHEP has allowed me to ask questions and gain a new perspective on a world of sex in which everyone can participate. My presentation skills have improved dramatically, and I feel that I am able to talk to people openly about so many issues aside from just sex (although that's the most fun!)." - Rachael Armstrong

Why join SHEP?

• Experience: you will gain valuable experience in public speaking, facilitating, teaching, and health education
• Knowledge: you will learn a lot about sexual health, and get to apply that knowledge as a peer educator
• Community service: you will provide an important service to your fellow Cal students
• Social interaction: you will get to know 20 other peer educators who share your interest in sexual health
• Units: you will get 2 units per semester (given at the end of the school year)

"Where else can you express such an enthusiastic love for sexual health? There are things I've said in class that I haven't even told close friends, that just shows how open and accepting SHEPers are! SHEP has definitely enlightened me and has been a one-of-a-kind experience. I've met so many cool people that I would not have known otherwise, and learned a lot about myself through this program. There is never a boring moment!" - Denise Harano

What are we looking for?

You don't need any previous knowledge about sexual health to be a SHEP peer educator - that's what training is for. Our current peer educators represent majors ranging from public health to political science and MCB to math. We're looking for the following qualities in our peer educators:

• Enthusiasm
• Commitment
• Open mind
• Communication skills, including public speaking
• Willingness to learn

"Being a SHEP peer has helped me realize just how important sexual health education is…I've been really grateful for this opportunity to broaden Cal students' sexual health knowledge, and it's been really wonderful to make such a difference (even if it's a tiny one) in people's lives…I'm also really glad that I've had the opportunity to meet such awesome people through the program, people I wouldn't have probably met otherwise. How wonderful it is to surround yourself with fellow, fun and lovable sexperts!" - Joanna Mi

Program Requirements

SHEP is a year-long commitment, from August 2008 until May 2009. Please keep in mind that all peer educators are expected to participate in:

• Training: August 2008 during Welcome Week
• Class: every Tuesday from 5:30 - 7:30 PM, fall semester and spring semester
• Retreat: Saturday, January 24, 2008
• Workshops: several per semester
• Clinic shifts: TBA - we are revamping this part of SHEP
• Special events: participation in various events, especially National Condom Day in February 2009
• Attitude: maintain enthusiasm, motivation, and a teamwork mentality throughout the year and in every component of SHEP!

"The greatest moments in SHEP have been those 'ah-hah' moments - when I have witnessed little signs of transformation. Suddenly my peers can make smarter decisions and make healthy and pleasureful choices. It's amazing to be a part of that process." - Nikiko Masumoto

Application Process
The application process for 2008-2009 has now closed. Please check back in February 2009 for the next recruitment cycle. If you have any questions, please contact Karen Gee, the interim staff coordinator, at or (510) 642-7202.

Back to Sexual Health Education Program (SHEP)>

Back to Student Services A-Z>