Young Adult

Utililizing the evidence based Botvin LifeSkills Training (LST) High School program, Genesis Community Foundation will present a culturally adapted program which is a highly interactive, skills-based program designed to promote positive health and personal development for youth in high school. A study in the World Journal of Preventative Medicine found that this program cuts drug abuse in half by helping adolescents navigate the challenges of their high school years and preparing them for the independence and responsibilities that they will encounter as young adults. The Life Skills Training program uses developmentally appropriate, collaborative learning strategies to help students achieve competency in the skills that have been shown to prevent substance use, violence, and other health risk behaviors. LifeSkills Training is comprehensive, dynamic, and developmentally designed to promote mental health, social-emotional (SEL) skills and positive youth development. Through the development of self-awareness, competence and connection, LifeSkills Training helps students to be resilient in the face of life’s inevitable challenges. The program is designed for any school- aged child from 7th grade up through high school graduation. LifeSkills Training uses a collaborative learning model as a foundation for helping adolescents develop competencies in their lives. It uses experiential activities, interactive games and hands-on exercises that invite students to explore and practice skills essential for healthy personal development. The program also incorporates thematic supports such as values education and service-learning opportunities into this dynamic curriculum. Upon successful completion of the 16-week program, graduates will be presented to the community at large at a formal cotillion held at the end of summer. The cotillion is a celebration honoring the students’ growth and accomplishments throughout the program. It also provides an opportunity for them to show off their new skills and learn more about life after high school graduation. The Phoenix Life Skills Training Program provides an environment for students to develop social skills, leadership abilities, and academic excellence. The program focuses on the development of self-confidence through the completion of challenging projects in areas such as public speaking, critical thinking, and problem solving.