The Youth Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Project (YADAPP) is a peer-led program for high school students to address underage substance use at the high school level. Through YADAPP team of four student Participants and a dedicated Adult Sponsor attend a week long summer conference to develop strategic prevention plans addressing underage drug and alcohol use. Throughout the conference, Participants will meet and interact with their like-minded peers during classroom and breakout sessions, motivational speakers and free time.
After the conference, students implement their plans in their schools and communities utilizing leadership and prevention skills learned during conference sessions. The excitement of the conference inspires students and their adult counterparts to continue participating each year and provides a positive environment for students to build their leadership skills.
YADAPP focuses on peer leadership and provides Participants with the leadership skills necessary for planning and implementing their strategic prevention plans. The peer leadership track allows students to continue to participate in YADAPP for up to four additional years through the YADAPP Youth Staff positions.
Through YADAPP participants will:
- Broaden their knowledge of substance use prevention and work as a team to create a high school substance use prevention plan for their school.
- Learn leadership skills needed to address common issues among youth.
- Network and build supportive relationships with others from across Virginia.
YADAPP is administered by the Education and Prevention Section of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority(ABC), which has been involved with the project since its inception in 1984.
