Kentucky’s Division of Substance Use Disorder Prevention and Promotion Branch supports the development of strong prevention efforts among Kentucky youth through our Youth Empowerment and High School Cooperative Programs.
Youth Empowerment Program
The Youth Empowerment (YE) program has three primary goals: to engage young people in prevention through school and community-based activities, build capacity among youth groups to plan, implement, and evaluate substance use and misuse prevention programs in their communities, and educate groups on substance use/misuse and suicide prevention using the Youth Substance Use Prevention Skills (YSUPS) training.
The YSUPS training helps to equip young people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to be effective advocates and leaders in their communities. Through this training, youth learn about prevention strategies and gain hands-on experience working on prevention initiatives.
Youth group activities include things like educating peers on substance use/misuse, advocating for smoke/vape-free schools and sporting events, raising community awareness through media, educating key leaders and policymakers, advocating for social host ordinances to combat underage alcohol use, and working to change the norms of substance use/misuse in their schools and communities.
We also recognize the importance of youth empowerment and youth engagement in local community prevention efforts. Prevention specialists at each of Kentucky’s 14 Regional Prevention Centers work closely with local youth and community coalitions to increase youth involvement and representation.
By involving young people in prevention efforts, we are ensuring that prevention initiatives are informed by the perspectives and experiences of those they aim to serve.
Youth Empowerment Grant
The Youth Empowerment Grant is a funding opportunity for Kentucky youth groups to plan and implement substance use/misuse prevention activities in their communities.
This funding opportunity allows youth groups, supported by their adult advisors, to take the lead in preventing substance use/misuse among their peers and in their community. In addition to being supported by adult advisors, the groups also receive technical assistance from the Regional Prevention Center (RPC).
High School Cooperative Program
The Prevention and Promotion Branch is currently piloting a paid high school co-op program for students interested in exploring careers in substance use prevention and behavioral health. Through hands-on experiences, students will build professional skills, participate in prevention initiatives, and learn how evidence-based strategies support healthy, substance-free communities.
Students will work with a site placement supervisor to complete meaningful projects focused on youth substance use prevention and community wellness. Participants will also have opportunities to attend trainings, engage in prevention activities, and explore careers in behavioral health and prevention.
Pilot program space is limited. No prior experience is required.