Your Experience. Your Purpose. Your Potential.
At OCARTA Peer University™, we believe lived experience is one of the most powerful tools for creating change.
Our educational pathways help individuals turn their personal experiences into opportunities to serve others, develop professional skills, and become leaders in their communities.
Whether you’re exploring peer recovery support for the first time or looking to expand your knowledge and skills, Peer University provides opportunities to learn, grow, and make a meaningful difference.
From Lived Experience to Peer Leadership
A supportive, hands-on pathway designed to help you turn lived experience into meaningful service and professional growth.
Learn
16-Week PRSS Training
Develop the knowledge and skills needed to provide effective, person-centered peer recovery support. Classes combine structured education, discussion, and opportunities to learn from others.
Class Schedule: Wednesdays, 3:00–4:30 PM
Serve
40 Supervised Volunteer Hours
Put your education into practice through hands-on volunteer opportunities at OCARTA. Gain experience in a recovery community setting while developing confidence, communication skills, and professional relationships.
Scheduling: Flexible opportunities coordinated with OCARTA staff.
Lead
Complete Your Training Pathway
Celebrate the completion of your required coursework and supervised volunteer experience. Take your next steps toward professional peer recovery support, continued education, and leadership opportunities.
Next Steps: Guidance on pursuing applicable state PRSS certification requirements.
Beyond the Classroom
Your growth doesn’t stop with the basics. Explore additional opportunities to develop new skills, gain experience, and discover new ways to serve.
Healing Hearts
Facilitator Training
Learn to guide meaningful group conversations and support others through OCARTA’s Healing Hearts curriculum.
Thursdays · 10 AM
Specialized Training
Future Opportunities
Expand your knowledge through planned Parenting and Anger Management facilitator development.
Coming in the future
Job Club
Group Shadowing
Observe experienced facilitators and explore how peer support connects with employment readiness.
Mondays 2pm
Leadership Growth
Professional Development
Build communication, advocacy, facilitation, and leadership skills through practical experience.
Ongoing opportunities
Learning That Fits Your Life
We understand that many of our students are balancing employment, family, and other responsibilities. Our additional learning opportunities are designed to encourage growth without creating unnecessary barriers. Participation in Healing Hearts facilitator training, Job Club shadowing, and other specialized development opportunities is optional and is not required to complete OCARTA’s PRSS training pathway.
Your Next Chapter Starts Here.
Your lived experience has value, and your journey has the power to inspire change. At OCARTA Peer University™, you’ll find a welcoming place to learn, develop new skills, and discover opportunities to support others.
Whether you’re beginning your journey toward becoming a Peer Recovery Support Specialist or exploring new ways to grow, we’re excited to help you take that next step.
