JACKSON TWP — A new program at Seneca Valley School District will enlist empathetic students in the quest to provide help with mental health issues in secondary schools.

Jeff Roberts, director of student services, said the district has formed an affiliation with the Hope Squad program.

The school board approved the plan Tuesday night.

The program sees students in grades seven through 12 nominate classmates who they consider easy to talk to, who are good listeners, who do not engage in bullying and who they feel comfortable turning to in a crisis.

From those nominations, 15 “squad members” will be selected from each grade level in grades nine through 12, and slightly fewer in grades seven and eight.