The iRIZE Youth Prevention Program is RIZE Prevention's flagship evidence-based initiative empowering students aged 13 to 18 with the knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills they need to make healthy choices and advocate for substance-free lives. Developed by certified prevention specialists and grounded in decades of public health research, iRIZE addresses the growing need for proactive youth education in communities across South Carolina and the Southeast.
Unlike traditional lecture-based prevention assemblies, iRIZE uses interactive workshops, peer-led discussions, real-world scenarios, and ongoing mentorship to create lasting behavioral change. Students don't just hear about the risks of substance use—they practice refusal skills, learn to identify social pressures, and build personal action plans they can carry into high school, college, and adulthood.
Core Components of the iRIZE Program
Prevention Education Curriculum
Research-backed modules covering substance use risks, mental health awareness, decision-making, and the science of addiction delivered in age-appropriate formats.
Youth Leadership Development
Students train to become peer mentors and prevention ambassadors in their schools, equipped with public speaking, facilitation, and advocacy skills.
Peer Mentorship Network
A structured mentorship system connecting older iRIZE leaders with younger students, creating sustainable prevention messaging that resonates at the peer level.
Community Advocacy Projects
Students design and execute awareness campaigns, school events, and community outreach projects that bring prevention conversations into the open.
Who Benefits From iRIZE?
The iRIZE program serves a wide range of audiences. Middle and high school students gain critical life skills during formative years when peer influence peaks. Parents and familiesbenefit from strengthened communication and shared prevention language at home. School counselors and educatorsreceive ready-to-use curriculum resources and professional development support. Community organizationsand faith-based groups partner with RIZE Prevention to extend program reach beyond the classroom.
Whether delivered as an in-school elective, an after-school club, a summer intensive, or a weekend workshop series, iRIZE adapts to fit the schedule and culture of each school or organization. RIZE Prevention's trained facilitators handle all logistics, materials, and follow-up reporting, making implementation seamless for busy administrators.
Program Outcomes and Impact
Schools and districts that have adopted iRIZE report measurable improvements in student awareness, school climate, and parent engagement. Graduates of the program consistently demonstrate increased confidence in refusing substances, stronger connections to positive peer groups, and a greater sense of personal responsibility for community wellbeing. The program is designed not only to prevent substance use but also to foster the resilience, self-efficacy, and leadership traits that help young people thrive in all areas of life.
"iRIZE changed the way I think about peer pressure. Now I don't just avoid bad situations—I help my friends make better choices too." — iRIZE Youth Leader, Greenville County
How to Bring iRIZE to Your School or Community
Getting started with iRIZE is simple. Schools, districts, and community organizations can request a free consultationwith RIZE Prevention's program coordinators. During the consultation, our team assesses your organization's needs, shares sample curriculum, outlines scheduling options, and provides a customized implementation plan. All iRIZE programming is offered at no cost to students, funded through grants and the generous support of donors committed to youth wellbeing.
RIZE Prevention is headquartered in Mauldin, South Carolina, and currently delivers iRIZE programming throughout Greenville County, Spartanburg County, Anderson County, and neighboring regions. Virtual and hybrid delivery options are also available for schools and organizations outside our immediate service area. For the most up-to-date schedule of open enrollment workshops and events, visit our events page or contact our team directly.