School-Based Prevention Initiatives

Peers with IMPACT

Peers with IMPACT is a peer-to-peer alcohol, tobacco and other drug (ATOD) abuse prevention, education program of IMPACT. The mission is to develop leadership skills among high school and middle school youth in promoting healthy lifestyle choices and preventing alcohol, tobacco and other drug use among other youth. IMPACT partners with schools and organizations to provide the Peers with IMPACT program. Students in 9th - 12th grade are recruited and then trained to become Peer Educators who specialize in presenting factual, age-appropriate information about alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs to elementary and middle school youth in 4th - 8th grade. These students are selected according to their commitment to living a healthy lifestyle and their desire to serve as positive role models to their peers. The program has been highly effective in presenting younger children with accurate information and teaching relevant decision-making skills.

Youth Leaders with IMPACT

In 2003, IMPACT created the Youth Leaders with IMPACT Advisory Board. The Youth Board is comprised of 10-15 youth drawn from the Peers with IMPACT program and reflects the demographics of Milwaukee. Members are selected based on their application, their commitment to the program, and their outstanding achievement as Peer Educators. The Board serves as a way for IMPACT to receive feedback on program design and implementation to ensure that Peers with IMPACT remains relevant to young people. Through membership on the board, youth receive training and leadership opportunities. The Youth Leaders are able to share success stories and important issues with each other, thus giving them a voice regarding ATOD abuse in the community.

For more information about the Peers with IMPACT program, please contact:

K.C. Missall
Prevention Consultant
kmissall@impactinc.org
(414) 256-4805

Karen Kolberg
Prevention Consultant
kkolberg@impactinc.org
(414) 256-4817

TRAILS

TRAILS (Teaching Resiliency and Instilling Life Skills) is a primary prevention curriculum for grades K-3. Utilizing a strength-based concept, TRAILS promotes resiliency traits, which build strong foundations for healthy habits and positive decision-making. Through multiple instructional strategies and a series of cumulative stories featuring likeable characters, the program is designed to promote health and wellness, develop essential life skills, encourage personal safety and develop a strong sense of self-awareness.

For more information about the TRAILS program, please contact:
Suzi Levendusky
Prevention Consultant
slevendusky@impactinc.org
(414) 256-4803