The Power of Choice
SUBSTANCE USE PREVENTION
Power of Choice is a substance use prevention program that works with District 203 & 204 students, parents, and schools. Through posters, social media posts, parent handouts, classroom presentations, and more, the student and parent campaigns aim to increase the percentage of students making healthy choices regarding substance use. Power of Choice’s programming is split into three communication campaigns that respectively work with and target:
- High school students and underage alcohol use
- 6th-8th grade students and underage vaping
- Parents of 6th-8th graders and underage alcohol use
GUIDED BY THE PEOPLE WHO KNOW STUDENTS BEST
Power of Choice is guided by two committees, one for the high school campaign and one for the 6th-8th grade campaigns. These committees consist of representatives from each school that we work with, as well as other stakeholders including police officers, parents, community members, and more. Committee members meet every other month to discuss what they’ve noticed in the schools, provide feedback on the campaigns, and work on new initiatives.
The program is also informed by target population data from the Illinois Youth Survey (IYS) and Power of Choice’s annual student and parent surveys.
6th-8th grade students served last year
middle schools or junior highs served last year
high school students served last year
high schools served last year
Our Campaigns
6th-8th Grade Student Campaign
This campaigns aims to reduce and prevent underage vaping by educating students on the misconceptions and risks of using vapes. The main materials for this campaign are state-designed, including the posters, newsletters, and banners that are put up in the schools. Click “Learn More” to see this year’s materials!
High School Student Campaign
The campaign shares positive messages and data through media designed with student input. Messages are focused on key data points and social influences that impact healthy decision making by youth. Main materials for this campaign are posters, video PSAs, social media posts, classroom presentations and lunch-time activities.
Parent Campaign
This campaign is designed to give parents the tools they need to help their children build resilience and make healthy choices when it comes to underage drinking. Through social media posts and parent handouts, the campaign educates parents on the risks of drinking underage, provides guidance on talking to their children about not using alcohol, and encourages other parenting strategies that help prevent underage drinking.
