RIZE Prevention Inc.

RIZE Prevention Inc. empowers teens to resist drug use and make health lifestyle choices. Our evidence-based middle school drug prevention program, iRIZE, focuses on early prevention of drug use and addiction among teens and the provision of proactive intervention for teens and their families who request help and support to pursue healthier, more positive lifestyles. The iRIZE program serves students in Greenville County Schools and Laurens District 55, and will be expanding into Anderson District 1, Pickens County Schools, and Spartanburg District 7 in the 2023-2024 school year. Our signature ‘breakthrough – follow through’ methodology and innovative comprehensive community integration model have been recognized by the SC Department of Education and Office of National Drug Control Policy and enhanced by an ongoing HIDTA technical assistance grant awarded to our organization in 2020.

 Currently, we raise funds to offer our programs at no charge to middle schools, churches, and community organizations throughout Upstate SC. We do this with the support of the SC Department of Education, HIDTA Washington/Baltimore and Atlanta/Carolinas, Palmetto State School Counselors Association, SEL4SC Coalition, SC Legislature, and DEA.

Our Program

Developed and operated by the nonprofit RIZE Prevention Inc., iRIZE is an innovative approach to turning the rising tide of drug use and academic disengagement among middle school students in South Carolina. The program empowers teens to resist drug use primarily through teaching, encouraging, and supporting the precepts of strong character development. This program was designed to integrate seamlessly into a school’s MTSS framework, providing school staff with non-burdensome support to effectively address the growing and interrelated issues of drug use, delayed or deficient character development, and academic disengagement among middle school students.