YOUTHLEAD:  Service-Learning and Substance Abuse Prevention

KIDS Consortium is currently engaged in a three-year (2006-2008) project with the Maine Office of Substance Abuse Prevention and three partner school districts – Millinocket, Mount Desert Island (SU98), and the Westbrook Public Schools. The intent of YOUTHLEAD is to reduce underage drinking in the three communities by engaging middle and high school students in service-learning projects aimed at the problem. The project is also designed to improve collaboration and coordination between schools and community-based health organizations related to prevention.

During the first 18 months of the project, students in three communities:

• developed and disseminated information about fetal alcohol syndrome to their peers
• assisted with Town Hall meetings to raise awareness about underage drinking and its impacts
• created a community survey about underage drinking and public service announcements
• researched the side effects of commonly used drugs and educated school faculty about the substances and their impacts
• researched, designed and implement after school “Chem Free” programs for students

Another dimension of the project has been the creation of resources and tools on service-learning and substance abuse that can be shared with more students, teachers, and community organizations.