Recommended by the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, the Across Ages program is a research-based mentoring program that aims to improve adolescents’ social competence and their ability to resist alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use. The unique feature of Across Ages is the pairing of older, adult mentors with young adolescents, specifically sixth graders making the transition to middle school. The four program components include: 1) adults ages 55 and older mentoring youth through tutorial, recreational, cultural, athletic, and community service activities; 2) community service in nursing homes; 3) a classroom-based life skills curriculum; and 4) parent involvement activities with students and mentors. The life skills curriculum used in Across Ages is the Positive Youth Development Curriculum (PYDC), a highly structured curriculum designed to promote young adolescents’ personal and social competence. Across Ages is highlighted in Communities that Care Prevention Strategies: A Research Guide to What Works. In addition, the U.S. Center for Substance Abuse Prevention has designated Across Ages a Model Program in its publication entitled Understanding Substance Abuse Prevention. Toward the 21st Century: A Primer on Effective Programs.

Target Population

- Grade Level: from  Sixth grade to  Eighth grade