This program trains high school student-athletes to deliver alcohol and drug abuse prevention programs to grade school children in their districts. The student-athletes participating in SALT stress positive messages about what children can become if they avoid substance abuse. SALT educates and encourages children to get involved in positive activities, such as sports and their education. These student-athletes are looked up to for their leadership and athletic success.
Some school districts offer credit to student-athletes who are involved in the program.
And coaches and athletic directors, working with their athletes, play an integral role in running the program in their schools and districts. The first SALT program was started by the New York Mets and Sharp Electronics in the Long Island and Queens areas of New York. Another SALT was started by the New Jersey Nets and Circuit City in northern New Jersey.