Our Vision:
We envision a world where communities of color are empowered with the resources and knowledge to lead efforts that eliminate the harms of gambling.
The Youth Leaders in Problem Gambling Prevention Program, funded by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Office of Problem Gambling Services, empowers youth to become agents of change through peer-to-peer intervention strategies. The program emphasizes protective factors and community-based youth development practices, ensuring that participants are educated on the importance of gambling prevention and its relevance to their lives. This initiative aims to raise awareness and equip young people with the tools to combat underage gambling in their communities.
Our program supports parents and families through navigation services and promotes health education within Latino communities.
Our Mission:
Worcester State University’s Latino Education Institute (LEI) and Health Sciences Department will raise awareness of and prevent underage gambling in Central MA through:
Protective factors in BIPOC youth from middle school to age 20 in community settings
Development and implementation of education modules for K-12 youth and families focusing on preventive and protective factors to combat problem gambling
Conducting strategic outreach and engagement of community partners to leverage strengths and amplify program effectiveness
Youth-led Digital Storytelling and digital media production to amplify protective factors and prevention strategies