Westmoreland Prevention Educators Certified to Teach Botvin LifeSkills Training

In addition to helping kids resist drug, alcohol, and tobacco use, the LifeSkills Training Middle School program also effectively supports the reduction of violence and other high-risk behaviors.

LifeSkills recognitions include:

Exemplary Program
U.S. Department of Education

Top Tier
Coalition for Evidence-Based Policy

Model Program
Center for Substance Abuse Prevention
Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
White House Office of National Drug Control Policy

Programs That Work
National Institute on Drug Abuse

LifeSkills Training is one of three in-school prevention curriculum recommended by PROSPER, a model for bringing evidence-based prevention programs to schools and communities with the goal of strengthening families, building youth skills, and reducing youth substance use.   Funded by a grant through the National Children, Youth and Families at Risk Program, Penn State Extension organized a  LifeSkills training  for prevention educators in Westmoreland County.  Participating in the training were 14 educators representing Penn State Extension, Saint Vincent College Prevention Projects, Inc. and the Westmoreland Drug and Alcohol Commission, Inc.  A second training is scheduled January 2013 in the Monessen City School District.

LifeSkills Learning Objectives include:

• Personal Self-Management Skills
  Students develop skills that help them enhance self-esteem, develop problem-solving abilities, reduce stress and anxiety, and manage anger.
• General Social Skills
  Students gain skills to meet personal challenges such as overcoming shyness, communicating clearly, building relationships, and avoiding violence.
• Drug Resistance Skills
  Students build effective defenses against pressures to use tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs.

The core educational program is offered to students in grades 6-7 and consists of 15 class sessions, which include 3 violence prevention lessons.   The sessions are written to fit a 30-45 minute class schedule. 

If you would like information on how to bring the LifeSkills program to your school district, please contact:

Penn State Extension – Anne Lail 724-837-1402

Saint Vincent College Prevention Projects – Donna Kean (724) 537-4590

Westmoreland Drug and Alcohol Commission, Inc. – Janet Hoffer (724) 684-9000 ext. 4351