Funding Opportunity - LifeSkills Training Program

I-Grant #761, by which schools, districts, and youth-serving community organizations may apply for funding for implementation of the LifeSkills Training program for middle -level aged students, has now launched. The application period will close at 4 PM on February 12.

LifeSkills Training is a prevention program sponsored and managed by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), that by legislative mandate is offered to public schools or community organizations that serve middle level aged students, for the purpose of helping young people develop knowledge, skills (refusal/decision-making), and informed attitudes to facilitate healthy decision making regarding marijuana and other substances. It is a three level, generally 3-year, program that begins with 15 lessons in the first level, 10 lessons in the second level, and 5 final refresher lessons in the third level. All lessons must be presented, in sequence, and a pre-post survey administered at the end of the level. Instructors do not have to be certified teachers, but must receive LifeSkills Training.

The grant will fund training and student/teacher materials for all three levels. Awardees will be required to register and participate in an approximate 6-8 hour online training. There will be approximately 30-35 awards this school year 2015-16, and 30-35 additional awards in the next grant cycle, to be launched later in the Spring for SY 2016-17. The grant is open to all public schools and community organizations serving middle-level aged students. Priority will be given to middle level schools in Community Prevention and Wellness Initiative (CPWI) communities.

To learn more about the program, see the LifeSkills Training website at www.lifeskillstraining.com.

Contact Bill Evans at OSPI, at 360-725-6052 or bill.evans@k12.wa.us for more information.