keepin’ it REAL (kiR)
a culturally grounded, evidence-based life skills and substance use prevention program for 6th–8th grade students
keepin’ it REAL (kiR) is an evidence-based, culturally grounded prevention program for 6-8th grade students (ages 12-14). Designed to reduce substance use, kiR builds essential life skills such as decision-making, problem solving, communication, and risk awareness through lessons grounded in real youth experiences.
Using authentic stories and culturally relevant strategies, students learn four practical ways to resist pressure - Refuse, Explain, Avoid, and Leave - while strengthening confidence, relationships, and social awareness.
Recognized by SAMHSA as a Model Program and named one of the most cost-effective school-based prevention programs in the United States, kiR is now considered a legacy program. It continues to be implemented in schools and communities nationwide and around the world.
Outcomes
- Reduced use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and inhalants
- Later initiation of both licit and illicit substances
- Decreased and discontinued use among early experimenters
- Prevention across multiple substance pathways
- Stronger refusal confidence and relationship skills
- Lower rates of bullying and youth violence
How the Program Works
Facilitators complete 2-day training
- kiR is a 10 week, 10-lesson curriculum. Each lesson is about 45-60 minutes long.
- Delivered by classroom teachers as part of the regular school day, easily aligned to state learning objectives/standards
- Lessons are highly interactive, using videos, role-plays, discussions, writing, and games that allow students to practice and apply skills
- Strengths based approach builds skills rather than relying on anti-drug scare tactics.
At the core of the program are the R.E.A.L. strategies: Refuse, Explain, Avoid, and Leave. These four simple, practical approaches give students tools they can use in real life to handle peer pressure and substance offers.
Facilitator Training and Training of Trainers
At the Global Center for Applied Health Research, kiR implementation is supported by a multidisciplinary team of researchers and educators who collaborate closely with teachers, students, and schools globally.
Prior to implementation of the curriculum, facilitators/teachers are encouraged to complete the two-day Facilitator Training provided by our master trainer. Experienced kiR facilitators are invited to join our network of kiR Trainers by completing the Training of Trainers workshop.
For those outside the United States who would like to explore implementing kiR, contact Dr. Flavio Marsiglia at [email protected] to learn more about international training and collaboration opportunities.