PALS

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What are PALS?

Austin ISD PALS (Peer Assistance Leadership and Service) is a youth empowerment and cross-age peer mentoring program that has served thousands of Austin ISD students since it was founded at Crockett High School in 1980.

Since its inception, PALS has trained students across the district to be peer mentors to younger students at feeder schools, serving as their role models and mentors. Today, the PALS program has expanded to training elementary and middle school students to serve as peer mentors. PALS promotes service, the development of interpersonal skills and community-mindedness, which helps to create a more positive and productive school environment.

YMLA PALS

At Gus Garcia YMLA, our PALS program proudly partners with LASA High School and Barbara Jordan Elementary to create a powerful cycle of mentorship and leadership. We are thrilled to have high school students from LASA mentor our young men, providing guidance, encouragement, and positive role models. In turn, our YMLA students visit Barbara Jordan Elementary to mentor younger students, passing on the same support and leadership they receive. Today, PALS continues to promote service, interpersonal skill development, and community-mindedness, helping to foster a more positive and productive school environment for students of all ages.

Visits to Barbara Jordan

The following is the typical schedule. It can be adjusted based on weather, transportation, student, or campus needs.

  • 11:25 - 11:45:    Early lunch at Garcia YMLA
  • 11:45-12:10:      Walk to Barbara Jordan
  • 12:10 12: 45:     Lunch visit with 5th Graders
  • 12:45 - 1:10:      Debriefing with PALS
  • 1:10 - 1:55:        Library visit with 4th Graders
  • 1:55 - 2:30:        Return to Garcia YMLA

LASA Visit to YMLA

The following is the typical schedule. It can be adjusted based on weather, transportation, student, or campus needs.

  • 11:27 - 11:57:    Lunch at Garcia YMLA with LASA Students

Become a PALS

To become a PALS member, students must first obtain both parent and teacher permission, reflecting the importance of responsibility and commitment within the program. PALS students are expected to maintain strong academic performance, positive behavior, and consistent attendance throughout the year. These expectations ensure that participants serve as true role models for the younger students they mentor. If a teacher notices that a PALS student is beginning to fall behind academically or behaviorally, the student will stay in class during that day’s elementary school visit to focus on their studies and responsibilities. This balance helps students prioritize their academics while still contributing meaningfully to the PALS program.

To learn more, contact Coach Mullins (zackary.mullins@austinisd.org) or Mrs. Adams (nicole.adams@austinisd.org).

Forms:

Permission Form to Join PALS:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DpXc8mta0m21kmDMjS4UMz-2-e8wg3JSnVW…

Weekly Grade Check Form: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1M1M_eq4RvYbcCZC9eawk8PwnLMAesUN…