C4 Innovations (formerly the Center for Social Innovation) received a grant from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation to determine the effectiveness of a peer-delivered, brief mentoring intervention for adolescents at moderate risk of substance use.
Project Amp pairs youth with young adults in recovery for brief mentorship to enhance resiliency and prevent alcohol and other drug use. Using a Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) framework, it is a novel approach because it is delivered by young adult peer mentors with personal experience of substance use and recovery.
Thanks to initial support from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, C4 staff designed the intervention with youth and adult stakeholders across prevention, treatment, recovery, education, and health care and completed a pilot study in school and healthcare settings. Because early results are highly promising for both feasibility and preliminary effectiveness, we are continuing this work with a fully-powered randomized controlled trial in schools. The trial seeks to determine the impact of the intervention on youth outcomes, explore formalized roles for young peers, and advance the study of best practices in youth substance use prevention and early intervention.
Access Project Amp resources for youth, parents, mentors, and agencies and community programs.
This grant is one among 24 grants and two program-related investments approved by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation in December 2018.
About the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation
The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation was created in 1944 by international business pioneer Conrad N. Hilton, who founded Hilton Hotels and left his fortune to help the world’s disadvantaged and vulnerable people. The Foundation currently conducts strategic initiatives in six priority areas: providing safe water, ending chronic homelessness, preventing substance use, helping young children affected by HIV and AIDS, supporting transition age youth in foster care, and extending Conrad Hilton’s support for the work of Catholic Sisters. From its inception, the Foundation has awarded more than $1.6 billion in grants, distributing $114.9 million in the U.S. and around the world in 2017. For more information, please visit www.hiltonfoundation.org.
