Preliminary Evaluation of a School-Based Youth Leadership and Prevention Program in Rural Alaska Native Communities

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Adolescent Health
• Rural Health

Background:

• High rates of indigenous youth suicide in rural Alaska necessitate targeted interventions.
• Existing school health programs may not adequately address unique regional challenges.
• The Youth Leaders Program (YLP) was developed to leverage natural helpers and peer leaders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the process and outcomes of the Youth Leaders Program (YLP) during the 2013-2014 school year.
• To assess the program's impact on protective factors and risk behaviors among indigenous youth.
• To determine the program's effect on school climate and academic performance.

Main Methods:

• Utilized mixed methods including participant surveys (n=61), school data (n=86), all-school surveys (n=764), advisor/principal interviews (n=13), and student focus groups.
• Collected pre- and post-intervention data on attendance, GPA, and disciplinary actions.
• Employed surveys and interviews to gauge student experiences and program impact on protective factors.

Main Results:

• Program participants showed increased school attendance (146 to 155 days) and improved GPA (3.01 to 3.14).
• Peer reviews indicated positive interventions in cases of bullying, depression, and suicidality.
• Participating youth reported increased agency, responsibility, and confidence, contributing to a better school climate.

Conclusions:

• The Youth Leaders Program (YLP) effectively enhanced protective factors and reduced risk behaviors in a rural Alaskan school district.
• The program demonstrated positive impacts on academic performance and school attendance.
• YLP offers a promising model for improving school health and addressing indigenous youth suicide prevention.