About Project SUCCESS

Project SUCCESS is considered a SAMHSA model program. It is modeled after the successful Westchester Student Assistance Program (WSAP) and Residential Student Assistance Program (RSAP). Both programs are highly effective, school-based substance abuse prevention and early intervention programs. Project SUCCESS is a program that prevents and reduces substance use and abuse among high risk, multi-problem adolescents placed in alternative schools. It works by placing highly trained professionals (Project SUCCESS counselors) in the alternative schools to provide a full range of substance abuse prevention and early intervention services.

How Project SUCCESS Works

Project SUCCESS is a research-based program that builds on the findings of other successful prevention programs by using interventions that are effective in reducing risk factors and enhancing protective factors. Project SUCCESS counselors use the following intervention strategies: information dissemination, normative and prevention education, problem identification and referral, community based process and environmental approaches. In addition, resistance and social competency skills, such as communication, decision making, stress and anger management, problem solving, and resisting peer pressure are taught. The counselors primarily work with adolescents individually and in small groups; conduct large group prevention/education discussions and programs, train and consult on prevention issues with alternative school staff; coordinate the substance abuse services and policies of the school and refer and follow-up with students and families needing substance abuse treatment or mental health services in the community.