Youth to Youth International

Helping youth acquire the skills they need to be successful in school, work, and life.

The Problem

By the time they are seniors, almost 70% of high-school students in the US will have tried alcohol, half will have taken an illegal drug, nearly 40% will have smoked a cigarette, and more than 20% will have used a prescription drug for a nonmedical purpose, according to government figures. This behavior can have a host of serious long-term consequences, including failure in school, problems with family and other relationships, impaired memory, increased risk of contracting an infectious disease, mental health problems, and the risk of overdose death. Despite these risks, only 10 percent of 12- to-17-year-olds needing substance abuse treatment actually receive any services

The Solution

Youth to Youth International aims to eliminate youth drug abuse by “harnessing the powerful influence of peer pressure – making it a positive force that encourages young people to live free of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs.” The Columbus, Ohio-based organization’s model – recognized as a template for youth development and prevention programming nationally and around the world – is based on a simple premise: that “when adolescents feel safe and secure, loved and accepted, and have a sense of purpose and meaning in life they are less likely to engage in unhealthy misguided behaviors.” For 33 years, the organization’s youth-driven, adult-guided programming has engaged young people in meaningful discussions, activities, and experiences, and allowed them serve as role models to their peers and younger students.