Prevention in Action: Getting to “Y” (HHS Region 1)

Join a Prevention in Action webinar to learn about Getting to “Y” (GTY), a program developed by UP for Learning. GTY works with middle and high school populations to inform and increase data literacy, improve individual agency and increase community engagement. GTY programming provides meaning to the bi- annual Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) through youth-generated and driven projects that decrease physical, mental, social and emotional health risks and increase environmental assets. GTY has been designated as a best practice by the Association for Maternal and Child Health Programs (AMCHP) and an evidenced-based best practice by the Vermont Department of Health. UP’s GTY program has reached more than 40% of Vermont schools and expanded programming into Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. UP for Learning is a Vermont-based nonprofit that supports educational systems as they fully engage youth in reimagining and transforming education.

About the webinar: This webinar is planned and hosted by the New England Prevention Technology Transfer Center, a program funded through cooperative agreement from SAMHSA. The Prevention in Action webinar series is intended to spotlight evidence-based prevention initiatives and practices within the New England region. Participants will receive a certificate of participation for 1 contact hour. No partial credit will be awarded.

Learn more and register today!

PRESENTERS

Jesse Brooks, GTY Program Director, UP For Learning

Before joining the UP team in January of 2023, Jesse worked in public health and advocacy for nearly seven years. Her experience includes grant writing, grant management, data collection, evaluation, public health policy, community engagement, and youth substance prevention programming. Jesse deeply understands community and social impact and has researched the Icelandic Prevention Model (IPM), a social innovation method that affects environmental choices and opportunities. She shares UP’s vision for education access, equity, and for every person to feel a sense of purpose and belonging.

Lindsey Halman, Executive Director UP For Learning

A passionate leader and committed change-maker, Lindsey Halman is the Executive Director of UP for Learning. She is committed to exploring radically inclusive education and multiple ways of knowing. She believes there is no more compelling time than right now to ask, “how do I meet this moment with courage, vulnerability, and creativity?” She joined the UP team in 2018 after 15 years as a middle level educator, leader and advocate. Prior to joining UP, she co-founded The Edge Academy at Essex Middle School. The Edge Academy served as a model and learning laboratory for many educators throughout Vermont, and beyond. The Edge integrated education for sustainability, as well as the arts, into all aspects of the team and curriculum. At the Edge Academy, there was a strong focus on youth voice, social justice, student-centered learning, project-based learning, and negotiated curriculum. Lindsey is passionate about building strong relationships with youth and adults, helping them feel empowered to make change, and creating a socially just climate and culture for all. She is currently past-president and a board member of VAMLE (Vermont Association for Middle Level Education) and a member of the Community Advisory Board/RJ Panel Volunteer for the Essex Community Justice Center. In addition, she has served as adjunct faculty at Saint Michael’s College, Colchester, Vermont, where she taught middle level education courses to pre and in-service educators.