A one-day forum for Pennsylvania youth-serving organizations and the adults who work alongside them.
For Young People
Youth will explore the experiences that have shaped their prevention journeys, build confidence in sharing their stories, and discover how their voices can inspire positive change in their schools and communities.
For Adult Allies
The young people in your organization don't need more programming. They need adults who know how to build trust. This day gives you practical micro-skills for the kind of relationships prevention actually depends upon.
The Opportunity
We are excited to offer 12 Pennsylvania youth-serving organizations and coalitions travel grants of $1,200 to participate in this leading-edge workshop. Organizations can bring two (2) adults and up to 10 high school age young people. Youth and adults will have different experiences led by two of the field's most well-respected trainers.
If you are an individual adult interested in just the HPR training, we have a limited number of spaces available on a first-come, first-served basis. We are not able to provide travel support for individual attendees.
Track Descriptions
Youth Experience
Every young person has a story that matters. In this interactive 2½-hour workshop, participants will explore the people, experiences, and moments that have shaped their prevention journey while discovering the power of healthy relationships and authentic storytelling.
Through engaging activities, guided reflection, and opportunities to practice sharing their experiences, youth will build confidence in communicating with trusted adults and learn how their voices can inspire positive change in their schools and communities.
At the end of this session, participants will:
- Know who their trusted people are and why those relationships matter.
- Develop a prevention story that is uniquely their own and feel prepared to share it.
- Build confidence in speaking up and connecting with adults, even when it's challenging.
- Leave with ideas for using their story to inspire others and make a positive difference in their community.
Adult Experience
This interactive 2½-hour workshop introduces the Health-Promoting Relationships (HPR) Paradigm, a practical framework for strengthening relationships that cultivate protective beliefs and support youth well-being.
Grounded in the science of human connection, prevention, and flourishing, participants will explore how everyday interactions with youth can reduce mental and behavioral health risks while promoting resilience.
Through self-reflection, discussion, guided practice, and peer feedback, participants will learn and apply the four intentional HPR "Way of Being" strategies— creating the environment, facilitating connection, engaging micro-skills, and growing abilities in youth. Each participant will leave with practical tools and a digital resource toolkit to support continued learning and application.
Learning Objectives
At the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Describe the role of health-promoting relationships in supporting youth well-being and effective prevention.
- Practice key HPR "Way of Being" strategies through guided activities and peer feedback.
- Apply HPR strategies with increased confidence in ways that are practical and relevant to their work and relationships with young people.
Who You'll Learn From
What You'll Take Home
The Health-Promoting Relationships Paradigm
The day is built around one idea. The relationships between young people and the trusted adults in their lives do more for prevention than any single program or curriculum. When those relationships are strong, everything else works better.
You'll use the PAStart HPR Toolkit and resources from ADAPT, a division for advancing prevention and treatment at the Washington/Baltimore HIDTA. The toolkit translates research on health-promoting relationships into practical skills organizations can use immediately.
No model background is required. The day is designed to meet you where you are.
Methodology Partner
What You Need to Know
- Date and Time: September 23, 2026, 9 am - 2:30 pm.
- Location: Penn State Harrisburg, Capitol Union Building Room 210, 151 O Street, Middletown, PA 17057. Get directions
- Capacity: 100 young people, 50 adult allies. Early interest helps us hold your spots.
- Travel Grants for Youth-Serving Organizations/Coalitions: Up to $1,200 is available to help cover travel costs for groups bringing 8–10 youth and 1–2 adult chaperones. To be eligible, groups must include youth participants. Travel grants are not available for adults traveling without youth.
- Free Parking: Available on campus. Details sent closer to the time of the event.
- Lunch and Snacks: Provided.
- Accessibility: The venue is accessible. Contact us if you need specific accommodations.
- Questions: Email Phyllis Law ([email protected])