Keepin' It REAL

Each year, Alternatives helps approximately 400 Chicago high school students build the life skills they need to make safe and productive choices about avoiding high-risk behaviors.

Alternatives staff work with students in grades six through nine using a culturally grounded drug prevention method that reduces drug use and establishes anti-drug attitudes and beliefs. The program teaches kids life skills so they know how to say "no" to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs without losing friendships.

Alternatives staff also provides skill-building tools to 400 participants, ages 10 to 14, through the All Stars curriculum. Through this program, young people learn skills that help reduce experimentation with alcohol, tobacco, inhalants, marijuana, and premature sexual activity.