On April 21, 112 attendees from across Southwest Washington gathered for the Elevate Youth Prevention Summit. The annual summit is a daylong event focused on youth leadership, wellness and substance use prevention.
ESD 112’s Prevent Coalition hosts the Elevate Youth Prevention Summit in partnership with local coalitions and community organizations. The event was funded by the WA Department of Health (DOH) through the Youth Cannabis & Commercial Tobacco Prevention Program (YCCTPP).
“The Elevate Youth Summit is about more than a single day. It’s about equipping young people with the confidence, skills, and support they need to lead in their schools and communities long after the event ends,” said Paula Linden, community prevention project coordinator at Prevent Coalition.
This year’s theme, “Be Your Own Bestie,” encouraged students to reflect on self-worth, healthy choices and the importance of positive peer relationships. Through small-group discussions and interactive activities, students were invited to think about how they treat themselves, support others and what healthy connections look like in everyday life.
Event facilitator Xander Cook, youth engagement coordinator for Unite! Washougal Community Coalition, helped guide the day alongside student leaders, creating a peer-led environment where students could speak openly, build confidence and feel supported.
One activity, Bestie Mirror, asked students to reflect on whether they show themselves the same kindness and understanding they would offer a friend. The exercise reinforced the day’s focus on self-awareness, positive relationships and making healthy choices.
Student leaders said it was meaningful to watch participants grow more comfortable throughout the day. “At the beginning, a lot of students seemed nervous, which makes sense when you are around new people and older students. But as the day went on, they got more confident, talked more and got more involved,” said Clover, a student leader from Washougal High School.
A student participant said one of the most meaningful parts of the summit was hearing from other students. “One thing that will stick with me is meeting new people and hearing their different points of view,” said Maci, a student participant. “I really liked hearing other people’s perspectives, and I think that taught me a lot.”
The summit also created space for students to practice communication, build confidence and reflect on what it means to support themselves and others. Through small-group conversations and peer-led activities, students were encouraged to think about the kind of friend and leader they want to be in their schools and communities.
As the summit concluded, students left with new tools, stronger connections and a renewed commitment to making healthy choices and creating positive change in their schools and communities.
About Prevent Coalition
Prevent Coalition, formed in 2003, is a community-based initiative serving Clark, Klickitat and Skamania counties, as well as rural communities throughout Washington. Supported by ESD 112 and local partners, Prevent Coalition works to create a culture of healthy choices and open doors for young people to lead and succeed.
Contact Prevent Coalition for updates about the 2027 Elevate Youth Prevention Summit.
ESD 112 equalizes educational opportunities for learning communities through innovative partnerships, responsive leadership, and exceptional programs.