PRIME For Life
Under 21
Suspension Reduction
In collaboration with the Anchorage School District, Boys and Girls Clubs of Southcentral Alaska, and Volunteers of America's Prevention and Intervention Services is proud to offer this unique program to middle and high school age youth in the greater Anchorage area. When a student is suspended for first time alcohol or other drug-related infractions from an Anchorage school, he or she is referred to this FIVE-DAY alternative-to-suspension course. By completing Prime For Life, the student may reduce the ten-day suspension to five days and are allowed to make-up homework and assignments missed while attending the course. Keeping the youth occupied in an educational and positive activity is an additional benefit of this program's design as well.
The Prime For Life curriculum was developed by the Prevention Research Institute in Kentucky and has been widely tested throughout the United States and in Sweden. Providing practical and useful information, this research-based program leads the student through process of self-evaluation and reflection upon his or her own personal decisions around alcohol and other drug use. Students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to prevent future substance abuse problems from occurring. Students frequently comment on evaluations that the course should be offered to ALL students, not just those in trouble. (We agree!)
The alternative-to-suspension courses are available at three locations in Anchorage, each starting on a different day of the week. All classes are from 9:00-2:00, unless otherwise posted (i.e. to accommodate holiday hours). Classes continue on in-service days and most holidays.
- Monday through Friday courses are offered at the Boys and Girls Club in Muldoon (1251 Muldoon Road, at the south end of the Muldoon Mall).
- Wednesday through Tuesday courses are available at the Boys and Girls Club, Southside (8401 Sandlewood, off Dimond and just East of New Seward).
- Friday through Thursday courses are located at the Boys and Girls Club in Spenard (2300 W. 36th, on the WEST side of Minnesota Blvd in the old Woodland Park Elementary School).
The cost of the course is $45, payable on the first day of class. COURT-REFERRED YOUTH ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THIS PRICE (please see Volunteers of America's Treatment Services ADIS Prime For Life on this site) Students are expected to be punctual, follow all rules as laid out in the student contract, and to bring their own lunches as they are not allowed to leave the building at any time during the day.
Other Prime For Life courses are also available for PARENTS, as well as for students in need of pro-active intervention BEFORE legal or formal trouble occurs. Dates, times and locations are determined by demand in order to meet a variety of schedules. Group courses may also be arranged for businesses, organizations, faith communities, etc. upon request.
Volunteers of America, Alaska Inc. is here to help in the prevention of alcohol and other drug use among youth. Give us a call at 279-9646 for more information or to schedule a class.
For additional information, please contact:
Prevention and Intervention Services Director
Patricia Cochran
1675 C Street, Ste. 201
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
Tel: (907) 279-9646
Fax: (907) 276-5489