Starting a RESIST chapter in USD 374
Elevate Kansas is excited to feature the success stories from our Mini Grant recipients. The 2026 Community Impact Mini Grants supported short-term, community-led projects focused on coalition capacity building, youth engagement, youth mental health and well-being, and tobacco prevention and cessation.
One youth-focused initiative was led by the Haskell County Coalition – LACF, which supported the development of a new RESIST chapter through student leadership training and prevention-focused engagement opportunities.
Through the project, USD 374 was able to send eight students and two mentors to the RESIST training held at the Garden City Refinery in March. During the training, students and mentors collaborated with participants from across western Kansas to learn how youth-led prevention efforts can positively impact schools and communities.
The training provided students with opportunities to connect with peers who are equally passionate about promoting healthy choices and creating positive change within their communities. Students shared excitement about meeting others from across the state who are working to launch and strengthen RESIST chapters focused on youth leadership, mental health awareness, and substance use prevention.
Mentors also received specialized training to help guide the chapter’s future efforts, including support in setting goals, organizing events, and developing sustainable prevention activities within the school and community.
Following the training, students immediately began planning their first chapter activities centered around Mental Health Awareness in May. Organizers shared that students intend to host weekly activities promoting positive mental health and healthy coping strategies as alternatives to vaping, substance use, and other harmful behaviors.
The project highlights the importance of empowering youth as leaders in prevention work and creating opportunities for students to support one another through connection, education, and positive community involvement.
Through collaboration, mentorship, and youth-led action, the Haskell County Coalition – LACF continues working to strengthen prevention efforts and build healthier futures for students and communities across western Kansas.
Administered by Wichita State University Community Engagement Institute in partnership with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Bureau of Health Promotion, this program provided flexible funding to support prevention and health promotion efforts across Kansas. Twenty organizations were selected to receive $1,000 mini-grants to fund locally led activities aligned with these goals. These mini grants also support the broader purpose of Elevate Kansas: strengthening community health coalitions across the state by connecting leaders, sharing resources, and supporting locally driven solutions that improve the health of Kansans.