Positive youth development activities outside of a school setting have been linked with decreases in substance abuse, youth violence, gang activity, teen pregnancy and school drop-out rates, and have been connected with improvement in academic achievement and school and community connectedness (NIOST, 2006).  North Star Youth Partnership plays a critical role in the positive development of youth by helping teens to become involved in their communities, and gain and strengthen competencies needed to develop into healthy, productive adults.                                           
     North Star Youth Partnership is piloting a new Peer Assistance Leadership Program to tap into the potential of young people to make a difference in their schools and communities.  Tory Gant, Director of Training, PAL – Peer Assistance and Leadership – from Austin, Texas, will train all peer mentors.  The training will focus on communication skills, group dynamics, self-awareness, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.  Upon successful completion of the training, teens are placed in peer-to-peer situations (e.g. tutoring, mentoring and other leadership positions on campus and in after-school programs).  All Peer Mentors will also be registered as Youth Volunteer Corps members and assist in community service projects through North Star and Americorps. 

This year’s Peer Mentors include:                                           
Nicole Cain – Prescott High School

Haley DeLong – Prescott High School

Maddy Roy – Prescott High School

Caia Decker – Prescott High School

Victoria Cook – Prescott High School

Blake Peterson – Prescott High School

Emily Dotseth – Prescott High School

Courtney Quinn – Prescott High School

Lexi Bourdon – Prescott High School

Shayna Adams – Mayer High School