Amp Amp
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Youth-driven substance use prevention and early intervention.

Drawing on the power of near-age, young adult peer mentors to deliver youth-centered, strengths-based prevention and early intervention to adolescents over 4-6 sessions.

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A New Way Forward

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A flexible, strengths-based, trauma-informed, person-centered, recovery-oriented, racially equitable curriculum

Over 4-6 sessions, Project Amp mentors guide youth participants through a curriculum that integrates established evidence-based practices, such as motivational interviewing, peer support, and positive youth development.

Youth participants explore their interests, strengths, goals, and social and community supports, as well as their perceptions about physical and mental well-being, alcohol and drug use, stress, and related risks.

Youth participants work with mentors to identify coping strategies and pathways to seek support, and to set and work toward their goals.

The curriculum is racially equitable, culturally responsive, flexible to youth preferences, and adaptable to suit the needs of different communities.

Solidarity through a common lived-experience.

By sharing their own experiences of substance use and related challenges, mentors help adolescents recognize risks early on, build awareness and motivation to change, and garner the personal skills, strategies, and support needed to do so—now and in the future. The utilization of a skilled peer workforce also lessens the burden on clinicians, doctors, and school counselors while providing youth with a safe, near-age adult to talk to.

Project Amp Pilot Study Outcomes

Project Amp was initially developed and pilot tested in six locations across the United States in urban and rural communities and within school and healthcare settings. Phase 2 research and implementation is ongoing.

The Value of Young Adult Peers

We promote valued prevention and early intervention roles for young adult peers, as a strategy for meeting the needs of youth.

Support for Schools and Community Organizations

We support agencies and systems to define roles, and recruit, trying, supervise, supports, and grow Project Amp mentors.

Meeting with the mentor is the best part of Project Amp. Not even just the meeting with the mentor, but learning who the mentor is, connecting with the mentor, and getting certain tools from them.
— Youth Participant