PGC Middle

Transition to Middle School

Eighth Grade Students Supporting Younger Students in Their Transition to Middle School

Peer Group Connection (PGC) for Middle Schools is a research-based program that supports and eases students’ successful transition into middle school. The program taps into the power of eighth graders to create a nurturing environment for incoming middle school students. Once every two weeks, pairs of eighth graders meet with groups of 8-10 incoming 6th grade students in outreach sessions designed to strengthen relationships among students across grades. These peer leaders are simultaneously enrolled in a daily, year-long leadership course taught by school faculty during regular school hours. PGC for Middle Schools is the middle school version of the Center for Supportive School’s flagship program: PGC for High Schools.