RIZE Prevention

We provide the iRIZE program, which is built on our signature, evidence-informed and research-based prevention methodology and comprehensive community engagement and support model. We provide iRIZE free of charge to middle schools in South Carolina thanks to grants and donations we receive for this program. We are implementing an important 3-year pilot study, in collaboration with the school districts in Upstate SC to test the efficacy of our evidence-informed approach and our implementation of evidence-based drug prevention programming and peer led social norm interventions. This 4-month program serves students in the 6th grade and is expanding to serve 7th and 8th grade students. Access to our CCFC resource tool is given to all students, parents and school staff. During the 2023-24 academic year, RIZE Prevention provided the iRIZE program to 11 middle schools and conducted over 25 RIZE Up! Live Drug-Free. presentations. Over 60% of 6th graders who received our iRIZE program signed our pledge to be drug-free. Over 40% of 7th graders who received the second year installation of our program signed the iRIZE pledge to be drug-free.

We also present the RIZE Up! Live Drug-Free. iRIZE presentation to high schools and to teens and their parents at houses of worship and community centers. This presentation focuses on the iRIZE program philosophy and is sometimes delivered in partnership with local community resource providers, local law enforcement and national law enforcement. This presentation is provided free of charge and is funded by specified donations and grants received by RIZE Prevention. Access to our CCFC resource tool is given to everyone who attends, as well as to the entire Upstate community. We also launched a new workshop designed to educate parents about the teenage brain, effects of substance use on the developing brain, and teaching the principle and skills of parental co-regulation. The total number of attendees was over 3500 people.