An estimated 18 to 35 percent of New Mexico eighth graders report using illegal drugs compared to 12 percent nationally. We also will provide constructive, challenging activities to stimulate their interests and hobbies, using 4-H curriculum. The goal is to reach 2,000 children. Figures show that more than 200,000 New Mexico youth lack adequate after-school supervision. Children will receive 50 hours of substance abuse education, including materials from the National Institute of Health and the Children's Television Workshop.
Programs target kids in elementary to junior high school.
But some high school students may be involved. Counties set up programs based on needs and rely on partnerships with local groups and agencies. In many cases, school teachers will be hired to work with youth after school. We have 85 years of experience with conducting youth programs in New Mexico but not a lot of documented scientific evidence with at-risk youth programs. If we do a good job by meeting the needs of New Mexico youth, we can get additional funds to continue the program next year.