Programs
OUR PROGRAMS
South Georgia Starz Academy provides evidence-based prevention, education, and youth development programs designed to strengthen individuals, families, schools, and communities. Our programs address substance use prevention, mental health and wellness, healthy decision-making, tobacco prevention, opioid awareness, and positive youth development.
South Georgia Starz Academy delivers prevention, youth development, family engagement, and community-based programming across Southwest Georgia. Our programs are designed to meet local needs while creating opportunities for young people, families, and communities to thrive.
01.
PIPP 2.0 — Partners in Prevention Project 2.0
SGSTARZ works alongside local agencies and community partners through the Partners in Prevention Project 2.0 (PIPP 2.0) to strengthen community-based substance use prevention efforts. Using evidence-based strategies, education, and community engagement, PIPP works to reduce risk factors, strengthen protective factors, and promote healthy choices and positive outcomes among youth, families, and communities.
FUNDING ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Funded by the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) through the
Partners in Prevention Project 2.0 (PIPP 2.0).
02.
GOCAT — Opioid Awareness & Prevention
Georgia Opioid Crisis Abatement Trust (GOCAT) focuses specifically on opioid awareness and prevention. The program provides education about opioids, the risks associated with misuse, prevention strategies, and the importance of making informed and healthy choices. GOCAT also works to increase awareness among youth, families, and communities about opioid misuse and its impact.
FOLLOW THE CAMPAIGN
Follow SGSTARZ on Facebook for GOCAT campaign messages, community updates, prevention resources, and upcoming activities.
FOLLOW SGSTARZ
FUNDING ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Funded by the Georgia Opioid Crisis Abatement Trust (GOCAT).
03.
BOOST— Out-of-School Time
BOOST provides Out-of-School Time (OST) programming for youth, including afterschool and summer activities. The program offers a safe, supportive environment where young people can participate in educational enrichment, recreational activities, life-skills development, mentoring, and positive youth development opportunities.
Interested in BOOST afterschool programming?
LEARN MORE & APPLY
FUNDING ACKNOWLEDGMENT
BOOST funding was made available through the American Rescue Plan and administered through a partnership between the Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network (GSAN) and the Georgia Department of Education.
YOUTH & FAMILY PREVENTION
SAFE HOMES
SAFE HOMES™ is a parent networking and prevention initiative focused on creating safer, healthier, drug-free environments for youth and families. The program provides prevention education and support designed to strengthen families, promote healthy relationships, increase protective factors, and reduce behaviors that can place young people at risk.
Through the SAFE HOMES network, parents, guardians, and community members support one another in setting clear expectations and reinforcing a consistent “No Use” message regarding youth alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use in their homes, neighborhoods, and communities.
Join the SAFE HOMES network and make the commitment.
SOURCES OF STRENGTH
Sources of Strength is a school-based prevention and wellness program that helps young people recognize and strengthen the positive supports already present in their lives. Using peer leaders and trusted adults, the program promotes positive connections, strengthens protective factors, builds resilience, encourages help-seeking, and connects students with the people and resources that support their well-being.
SGSTARZ uses Sources of Strength to support positive youth development, strengthen trusted relationships, and help young people identify the people, practices, and resources they can turn to when life feels difficult.
ALL STARS
All Stars is an evidence-based prevention program that helps youth develop the skills needed to make healthy decisions and resist risky behaviors. Participants build positive relationships, strengthen decision-making skills, develop goals, and learn strategies for handling challenges and peer pressure.
2 A’s & R
Our Ask, Advise, and Refer (2 A’s & R) Tobacco Prevention Program provides youth with education and prevention strategies related to tobacco and nicotine use. The program addresses the risks associated with tobacco and nicotine products, including vaping, while helping young people develop skills to resist peer pressure and make healthy choices.
SRAE
Through the Department of Human Services, SGSTARZ provides Sexual Risk Avoidance Education (SRAE) using the Choosing the Best curriculum. The program equips young people with accurate, age-appropriate information and skills to make healthy decisions, set goals, establish healthy boundaries, and understand the benefits of avoiding sexual risk behaviors.