Youth Empowerment

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), created this web site to educate adolescents ages 11 through 15 (as well as their parents and teachers) on the science behind drug abuse. NIDA enlisted the help of teens in developing the site to ensure that the content addresses appropriate questions and timely concerns. Recognizing that teens want to be treated as equals, NIDA scientists were careful not to preach about the dangers of drug use. Rather, the site delivers science-based facts about how drugs affect the brain and body so that kids will be armed with better information to make healthy decisions. Elements, such as illustrations, quizzes, and games are used throughout the site to clarify concepts, tests the visitor’s knowledge, and make learning fun through interaction.

http://www.clubac.com/home/home.asp

Youth can join Club AC (founded by Pro Basketball Star A.C. Green) and get connected with positive youth development activities.

A.C. Green has a heart that is dedicated to working with youth. Because of his love for young people, A.C. established the A.C. Green Youth Foundation in 1989, with the main focus on sexual abstinence education. Through his "I've Got The Power" abstinence curriculum, A.C.'s mission is to help young people build self-esteem and character, and learn moral and ethical principles which will help them make responsible decisions.

A.C. is a youth mentor, author, speaker and successful businessman. He is also a role model that youth across America can respect, and for this he was recognized in the House of Representatives' Congressional Record of October 26, 1999.

http://www.genv.net/en-us/region/ysa

Youth Service America (YSA) and Youth Venture, Inc. have partnered to offer the YSA Youth Venture Program, which challenges applicants to make every day Global Youth Service Day. Applications from young people across the country who are interested in starting their own sustainable social ventures are currently being accepted. The program provides a variety of resources including a national network of like-minded youth, media opportunities, technical support, helpful toolkits and workshops, as well as seed money of up to $1,000. Applications from youth-led ventures must be submitted by August 13, 2007. For additional details, visit the website provided above.

http://www.schoolengagement.org/docs/YESSresourceguide.pdf

The Y.E.S.S Program is a Safe School/Healthy Student initiative funded by the U.S. Departments of Education, Mental Health and Justice. The purpose is to help students deal with life issues that can negatively affect their academic success. Many local resources are available to help students overcome these issues, and the goal of YESS is to make these resources by bringing them into the schools.