A one-day forum for Pennsylvania youth-serving organizations and the adults who work alongside them.
For Young People
Bring the adults who show up for you. Spend a day learning how to work together in ways that actually build stronger communities. Leave with tools, language, and a plan you can run with.
For Adult Allies
The young people in your organization don't need more programming. They need adults who know how to build trust. This day gives you practical micro-skills for the kind of relationships prevention actually depends on.
The Opportunity
We are excited to offer 12 Pennsylvania youth-serving organizations and coalitions travel grants of $1,200 to participate in this leading-edge workshop. Organizations can bring two (2) adults and 8-10 high school age young people. Youth and adults will have different experiences led by two of the field's most well-respected trainers.
If you are an individual adult interested in just the HPR training, we have a limited number of spaces available on a first-come, first-served basis. We are not able to provide travel support for individual attendees.
Track Descriptions
Youth Experience
This interactive 3.5-hour training prepares youth to become confident peer leaders and advocates for healthy choices in their schools and communities, as well as build connectedness and strong relationships with peers and adults in their daily lives. Participants will explore effective prevention strategies, identify and strengthen protective factors in their lives, and practice using their voices to influence positive change.
The Health-Promoting Relationships (HPR) Paradigm is introduced as one important framework that supports protective factors—especially through building strong, supportive relationships and environments where youth feel seen, valued, and empowered.
The training prioritizes youth voice, storytelling, and real-life application. Through discussion, activities, and reflection, participants will build skills in communication, decision-making, emotional awareness, and advocacy. By the end, youth will feel more comfortable sharing their perspectives, supporting peers, and taking action to promote well-being in their communities.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of the training, participants will be able to:
- Explain key prevention concepts and identify healthy vs. risky choices in their schools and communities.
- Identify personal and community protective factors, including how supportive relationships (HPR) strengthen well-being.
- Practice communication and connection skills that help them support peers and build positive relationships.
- Use their voice to advocate for healthier environments, including sharing their perspectives with peers and adults.
- Develop a simple action plan to promote healthy choices, strengthen protective factors, and contribute to positive change in their community.
Adult Experience
This interactive 3-hour workshop introduces the Health-Promoting Relationships (HPR) Paradigm, a framework that describes a fundamental, purposeful way of being in relationships that cultivates protective beliefs in youth ages 11–18.
Grounded in the science of human connection, prevention, and flourishing, participants will explore how everyday interactions with youth can prevent mental and behavioral health risks while promoting resilience and well-being.
With a strong focus on self-reflection and personal growth, the workshop guides participants through the four intentional strategies of the HPR "Way of Being"— creating the environment, facilitating connection, engaging micro-skills, and growing abilities in youth.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Examine the science of connection and relationships as a foundational component of effective prevention and youth well-being.
- Describe the four intentional strategies of the Health-Promoting Relationships "Way of Being" and how they cultivate core protective beliefs in youth.
- Identify at least two specific opportunities for personal growth to strengthen one's ability to engage in health-promoting relationships with youth.
Who You'll Learn From
What You'll Take Home
The Health-Promoting Relationships Paradigm
The day is built around one idea. The relationships between young people and the trusted adults in their lives do more for prevention than any single program or curriculum. When those relationships are strong, everything else works better.
You'll use the PAStart HPR Toolkit and resources from ADAPT, a division for advancing prevention and treatment at the Washington/Baltimore HIDTA. The toolkit translates research on health-promoting relationships into practical skills organizations can use immediately.
No model background is required. The day is designed to meet you where you are.
Methodology Partner
What You Need to Know
- Location: Penn State Harrisburg, Capitol Union Building Room 210, 151 O Street, Middletown, PA 17057. Get directions
- Capacity: 100 young people, 50 adult allies. Early interest helps us hold your spots.
- Travel Grants for Youth-Serving Organizations/Coalitions: Up to $1,200 is available to help cover travel costs for groups bringing 8–10 youth and 1–2 adult chaperones. To be eligible, groups must include youth participants. Travel grants are not available for adults traveling without youth.
- Free Parking: Available on campus. Details sent closer to the time of the event.
- Lunch and Snacks: Provided.
- Accessibility: The venue is accessible. Contact us if you need specific accommodations.
- Questions: Email Phyllis Law (pcl13@psu.edu)