City expands program to educate teens on the perils of underage marijuana use
Sacramento (July 30, 2024) The City Council last week approved a $1.4 million grant to expand the city’s #Futures education and training program for teens.
The #Futures program, part of the city’s #SacYouthWorks job training effort, teaches young people ages 14-19 about the harmful effects of underage marijuana use and has them complete service projects to inform their peers about the negative impact of marijuana on mental health and overall well-being.
The state made the $1.4 million grant through its Public Health and Safety Program, which receives funds from Proposition 64, which was passed by voters in 2016 and legalized the recreational use of marijuana for individuals 21 years of age and older.
During the #Futures course, students complete at least 40 hours of work-based learning, including 10 hours of underage marijuana use prevention education, 10 hours dedicated to work-readiness training and 20 hours focused on applied service/work.
The service projects may include, but are not limited to, peer-to-peer support, advocacy, or public awareness campaigns. In 2021, under the guidance of Hmong Youth and Parents United-One, teens delivered their message of marijuana prevention to their peers through a compelling video. They were involved in writing the script, acting in it, and editing the final product.
When finished with the program, students will receive a $500 stipend.
Pro Youth & Families (PRO) and the City work collaboratively to coordinate and lead a network of community-based organizations (CBO) where students will complete their service projects. Previous partners have included Hooked on Fishing Not on Violence, Sac Youth Center, and We Can Work It Out.
The CBOs design work-based learning experiences based on the framework of "connect, learn, and earn." Working with adult mentors, youth learn about work through direct experience and engage in work-readiness trainings that support the development of 21st century skills and explore potential career pathways.
Now with continued funding, the program will be able to enroll 3,000 teenagers over a five-year period. This marks an expansion from reaching just over 600 youth over the three years since 2021.
“It’s important that they understand that while cannabis might be legal, the effect it has on the young brain,” said Councilmember Lisa Kaplan. “This program demonstrates how to make an impact not just once but continuously.”
Recruitment for the next cohort will take place this fall with CBO partners conducting outreach to their communities.
This article was written by Isabella Lindstrom, a summer intern in Mayor Steinberg's office. She is a recent graduate with a major in political science journalism from Sacramento State University.
