Youth Leadership Program

Hear Us

Hear Us is an annual advocacy event hosted by the ElevatEd coalition and PreventEd each spring for current St. Louis region high school students. Through the program, students will learn about advocacy and how to use their voices to enact change in their communities. Hear Us culminates in an overnight trip to Jefferson City, where participants have legislative visits with the State Senator and Representative that is specific to their zip code.

Hear Us 2026 will take place in Jefferson City on February 23 & 24. Participants will receive training opportunities about substance use, brain development, the Missouri legislative process, and how to advocate before the event.

Contact Emily Wilkerson at [email protected] for more information.

Questions?

For more information, contact:

Kristin Bengtson (she/her)

“I didn’t know that everyone has risk factors that affect drug use. Now that I do, I’m really trying to incorporate that into my life to keep me on pace and stay away from drugs and drug use.”

Adolescent, 17

“Students in my class have increased their empathy and reduced their angry outbursts.”

Teacher

“I have seen students using the vocabulary, acknowledging peer pressure, and be willing to problem-solve with peer conflicts.”

Teacher

“I am profoundly grateful for your unwavering support and expertise in guiding my child towards recovery. Your dedication and professionalism have been instrumental in this life-changing journey. My child’s newfound sobriety stands as a testament to your remarkable efforts."

Parent of Adolescent

"It was very informative and I learned more about the brain and how it's affected by substances. I'm definitely going to apply what I've learned in my everyday life."

Adolescent, 17

“This program has been so good for my child. He learned a lot. His focus now will be doing better in school and working to save money. Thank you for all the support at a time that I didn’t know how to deal with this.”