SALINEVILLE — The University of Colorado at Boulder awarded a grant to the Utica Shale Academy, allowing for the chance to target high-risk behaviors. The school received a training and technical assistance grant through the university to implement the Botvin LifeSkills Training High School Program, which provides a curriculum aimed at reducing risky behaviors. The program has yielded positive results from its participants, located within 89 countries worldwide.

The initiative has shown evidence there has been up to a 75 percent reduction in drug use, a 60 percent drop in alcohol use, an 87 percent decrease in the use of tobacco products and a 50 percent decline in violence, according to program officials.

The Prevention Science Program at the University of Colorado partners with schools nationwide to implement the LST program. The goal is to teach prevention-related information, to promote anti-drug norms, to teach drug-refusal skills and to foster the development of personal self-management skills and general social skills.

The grant helps to defray the cost for training, program materials and technical assistance.

USA intervention specialist Jessie Mahan and certified health worker Kathleen Vennum underwent training at Edison High School in November. The high school previously instituted a program of its own, officials said.

“We are doing it on a smaller scale,” Mahan said. “We’d like to do a much-bigger program, but this is our pilot year.”

He said the first session was held Jan. 27, with freshmen and sophomores having to complete a 10-week lesson centered on mental health, physical health and well-being. Lessons are held once a week during the morning hours. Topics include healthy relationships, communication and substance abuse.

Mahan conducts the courses for sophomores on Tuesdays, while Vennum works with freshmen on Thursdays.

“Vennum and I had life-skills training at the Edison Fieldhouse,” he continued. “The grant gave us the tools and resources. We received workbooks for students and online resources. Our first lesson was on healthy choices.”

There is one process site visit for each of the two years of the LST grant, Mahan noted, saying a university representative was on hand to observe the lesson and offer a positive critique.

Mahan noted the students were receptive, as well as “very cooperative and interactive.”

Vennum said the program would greatly impact students for the better.

“I do believe the students will benefit by helping them to open up about who they are versus who they want to be,” she stated. “We have all heard, ‘We do not have to be a product of our environment.’ Knowledge is power, and by instilling communicable changes and the willingness to participate, it means these students want to do better.”

“They just need a path,” Vennum added. “The program can lead the way, and we’re looking forward to seeing changes and growth for our young community.”