The Teens Helping Each Other (THEO) Program is the peer leadership initiative of The Adolescent Education Program (AEP) at SUNY Downstate. THEO’s mission is to empower youth to achieve and maintain good health, set and achieve academic goals, and serve their community. THEO strives to prevent new cases of HIV infection, sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies, while promoting healthy, productive lives for young people. As a youth-serving non-profit organization, THEO has a deep commitment to empowering young people through meaningful experiences that foster growth, leadership and community engagement. 

For several years, AEP/THEO has partnered with Community Counseling and Mediation to offer meaningful programming to youth ages 14-15, through the New York City Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). Together, our organizations provide a range of summer opportunities that blend skill-building, mentorship, and real-world exposure. The program includes hands-on workshops, career exploration activities, leadership development sessions, and community service projects—each designed to help participants build confidence, discover new interests, and connect with positive role models. Through this collaboration, we are able to pool resources, expertise and networks to create a supportive environment where staff, youth peer leaders and youth advocates engage participants in experiences that broaden horizons, strengthen foundations for future success, and encourage young people to become active contributors to their communities. 

As an organization, we are excited to continue this partnership and to witness the lasting impact it will have on the lives of young people in New York City.