Healthy Futures Afterschool
Promoting healthy decision-making, youth well-being, and substance abuse prevention through afterschool and summer programs.
What is Healthy Futures?
Healthy Futures is a prevention-focused afterschool initiative that equips programs with trained peer educators, evidence-based curriculum, and nationally recognized staff training—strengthening youth health, resilience, and informed decision-making.
Why it Matters
Young people are making critical decisions about their health and future every day. Healthy Futures provides trusted mentors, accurate information, and the skills to make informed, confident choices.
Programs like Healthy Futures don’t just educate—they prevent, empower, and protect.
Why Afterschool
Afterschool is prevention. Programs serve as a fundamental setting for healthy development and an intervention through which youth develop key mindsets and life skills.
Programs provide:
- Caring and supportive mentors
- Safe spaces for students to build confidence and feel a sense of belonging
- Opportunities to problem solve and think critically
In turn, these supports help students:
- Reduce risky behaviors, such as tobacco, marijuana, and alcohol use
- Build strong social skills and healthy relationships with peers and adults
- Gain self-control and confidence
- Improve their work habits, grades, and school attendance
What Your Program Receives
This initiative provides a comprehensive approach to supporting youth. Undergraduate peer educators deliver science-based lessons for students ages 10–18 that build awareness of substance misuse, drug prevention and mental health, and encourage healthy coping and decision-making skills. The program is grounded in evidence-based curriculum with ready-to-use lessons that strengthen refusal skills and family engagement. Staff can also earn Mental Health First Aid certification to better recognize and respond to emerging mental health conditions. Summer programming and a coordinated awareness campaign further reinforce prevention messaging for youth and families year-round.
- Peer-Led Education
- Evidence-Based Curriculum
- Mental Health First Aid
- Summer Programming
- Awareness Campaign
Support Your Youth.
How It Works
For Afterschool Programs
- Partner with Healthy Futures
- Receive training, curriculum, and peer educators
- Implement programming with ongoing support
Healthy Futures Afterschool equips afterschool providers with peer-led prevention education, evidence-based curriculum, and nationally recognized staff training — all designed to strengthen youth health, resilience, and informed decision-making.
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For Peer Educators
- Deliver lessons on substance abuse prevention and mental health
- Serve as positive role models
- Receive a stipend and gain workforce and leadership experience
Eligibility
- Must be 17–21 years old
- Passionate about helping youth
- Interested in leadership, education, healthcare, or community service
Resources & Support
Supporting Healthy Futures Beyond the Afterschool Day
Healthy Futures connects youth, families, and afterschool professionals with trusted prevention, wellness, and recovery resources across South Carolina. Whether you’re looking to learn more, start conversations, access support services, or strengthen prevention efforts in your community, these organizations and tools can help.
Just Plain Killers
A South Carolina public awareness campaign focused on opioid prevention, fentanyl awareness, overdose education, and recovery resources.
Just Plain Killers Toolkit
A free downloadable toolkit with social graphics, videos, educational materials, and prevention messaging resources.
Find Help South Carolina
Searchable statewide resources for treatment centers, naloxone distribution, recovery support, and prevention services.
South Carolina Substance Use Prevention Resources
Educational and prevention resources from the South Carolina Department of Public Health.
South Carolina Opioid Data Dashboard
Interactive statewide overdose and prevention data dashboard for South Carolina communities.
Get Involved—At Every Level
Contact us to learn more about how you can join this initiative.
Submit the form below, or call Lori Heselwood at 803-254-5454 ext. 115.
Strengthen Your Program.
Support Your Youth.
Join the effort to promote healthy futures for every child. Empower your organization with tools and training that make a lasting impact.
Become a Peer Educator.
Lead the Change.
Gain real-world skills while helping others make healthier choices. Build confidence and learn to navigate challenges with resilience.