MISSION

The Youth Education Program partners high school students with middle school students to provide education about alcohol and other drugs, develop decision making skills, and build awareness among youth.

WHAT IS THE YOUTH EDUCATOR PROGRAM?

The Youth Educator Program (YEP), a project of Center for Human Development, works with community volunteers to train high school students to deliver prevention lessons to middle school students, who are increasingly coming into contact with pro-drug influences.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Parents, teachers, counselors, or community members are trained in a process that enables them to recruit, train, and guide the high school students. Youth Educators learn and teach basic drug information, identification of pro-drug influences, decision making, and effective ways to say no, as well as ways to enhance self-esteem and cope with stress.

WHAT DOES THE TRAINING INVOLVE?

Youth Educators attend 40 hours of training typically spread out once a week over several months. They learn basic skills in communication, group development, and effective facilitation, as well as drug facts to present to the middle school students. In many cases, high schools give credit or hours toward community service requirements for Youth Educators for their participation in the program.

WHO SPONSORS THIS PROGRAM?

School districts often pay for the training of the Adult Trainers as well as the curricula. School offices are also very helpful in providing photocopying and teaching supplies. Local service organizations can contribute both volunteers and financial support. Financial support for the Youth Educator Program also comes from grants and private donations.

WHY YOUTH EDUCATORS?

Youth Educators serve as positive role models for non-use. They help their younger peers see first hand the value of staying healthy and drug-free. Research shows that "it is more effective for peers to deliver curricula in grades six through nine than it is for teachers or outside authorities to do so" (Not Schools Alone, California Department of Education).