[Test] Youth Prevention Academy Builds Skills and Leadership Posted on September 24, 2026 From June 9-11, San Mateo County students participated in the Youth Substance Use Prevention and Advocacy Academy, a project of the Overdose Prevention Coalition’s Youth and Schools Action Team. The academy was developed through the Coalition’s participation in the California Overdose Prevention Network Accelerator 7.0 cohort, a 12-month program intended to help local overdose prevention coalitions strengthen their performance and impact. The program was a three-day intensive leadership program designed for high school students in grades 9-12 who are ready to move beyond basic alcohol and other drug prevention training and become true change agents in their communities. Working with the San Mateo County Office of Education, Jefferson Union High School District, Youth Point Health, Youth Leadership Institute, and Northern California High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, the Coalition created an experience centered on youth voices and leadership. The focus of the cohort was to build adaptive leadership skills to bridge overdose prevention with behavioral health services. The participating student leaders began developing overdose prevention and youth-centered services treatment projects that they can bring back to their schools to share with their peers.