The Georgia Teen Institutes have been an active program member of the National Association of Teen Institutes (NATI) since 1988. GTI staff attend and contribute to the national NATI training conference held annually.The Georgia Teen Institutes have also participated in the National Teen Assessment, an evaluation instrument conducted to measure the impact of participating in teen institute programs. Georgia results have shown that 90% of teen institute graduates continue to be involved in prevention activities in their home communities. The Georgia Teen Institutes are made possible through the efforts of teens and adults who give up a portion of their summer to participate,and by the dedicated volunteers who help staff the programs and conduct workshops. Funding is provided through registration fees and individual and corporate donations. Many scholarships were provided by Federal Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities, school systems and Substance Abuse Prevention Block Grant funding provided by Regional MHMRSA Boards. Others came from PTAs, businesses, drug-free clubs, civic organizations, and individuals. These sponsorships indicate Georgia's level of commitment to drug abuse prevention and the promotion of healthy, responsible youth. We would like to thank all of the school systems, Regional MHMRSA Boards, community organizations and RESAs that sponsored teams. We would especially like to thank the Gwinnett County Public Schools, the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners, and the Region 7 MHMRSA Board for helping to make the Georgia Teen Institutes possible. |