Youth Leadership Trips with P2P

Every year, high school students in Prevent to Protect (P2P) have the incredible opportunity to participate in two national-level training events hosted by CADCA (Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America). These trips are more than just travel—they are powerful, inspiring experiences where students grow as leaders, connect with youth from around the country, and bring back new ideas to strengthen their schools and communities.

1. CADCA National Leadership Forum – Washington, D.C. (February)

Held every winter just outside Washington, D.C., the CADCA National Leadership Forum is the largest training event in the country for community-based prevention. Thousands of youth and adult leaders come together for four days of learning, networking, and advocacy.

For P2P students, the Forum offers:

  • Youth leadership workshops that focus on advocacy, public speaking, data-driven prevention, campaign design, and more

  • Opportunities to meet with members of Congress and advocate for youth prevention funding and policies on Capitol Hill

  • Time to connect with peers from all over the country who care about substance use prevention

  • A chance to experience D.C. through historical visits, sightseeing, and cultural events

Attending the Forum helps students see the big picture—how their local work connects to a national movement—and gives them the tools to bring new energy and ideas back to Cheboygan County.

“It was eye-opening. I didn’t realize how much youth voices mattered until we were speaking with people in Congress.” — P2P Student Attendee

2. CADCA Mid-Year Training Institute – Various U.S. Locations (July)

Every summer, P2P students travel to the CADCA Mid-Year Training Institute, which is held in a different U.S. city each year—past locations include Dallas, Orlando, Indianapolis, and Nashville. This week-long event is packed with hands-on prevention training tailored specifically for youth coalitions.

At the Mid-Year Institute, students dive deeper into:

  • The Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF), which P2P uses to guide all projects

  • Advanced skills in project planning, campaign development, coalition-building, and community engagement

  • Workshops taught by youth leaders and national prevention experts

  • Team-building experiences that help students grow closer and more confident

The Mid-Year Institute is also a celebration of youth prevention leadership. It’s a place where students feel seen, supported, and energized to take on new challenges.

“I came home from Mid-Year with so many ideas and the confidence to actually lead a project. I felt like part of something bigger.” — P2P Youth Member

Why These Trips Matter?

Both CADCA events give students the chance to:

  • Travel and grow outside their comfort zones

  • Be inspired by national prevention leaders and other youth

  • Learn real-world skills they can apply in school, careers, and life

  • Build lasting friendships with fellow P2P members

  • Return home ready to lead impactful, community-based projects

P2P is proud to invest in student leadership. These trips are not just a reward—they’re an extension of the coalition’s mission to empower youth to lead the way in building a safer, healthier Cheboygan County.