TEENFEST(IVAL) IMPACTS

TeenFest(ival) is an annual public health education event focused on substance abuse prevention and violence reduction. It provides a forum for young people to raise their collective voices in contribution to the call for safe and drug-free communities in North Carolina. TeenFest also offers youth and their families a substance-free social event where they can gather, support each other and promote the prevention message - at no cost. This year’s event, TeenFest 2K13, marks the nine-year anniversary of TeenFest(ival)

The first part of the day consists of interactive workshops for teens, parents and elementary age youth on the TeenFest main themes. The second half of the day is the talent showcase where students ages 14 – 19 compete with original acts that have an anti-drug, anti-violence, and this year -- an HIV prevention theme. Celebrity judges award $1,750 in cash prizes to first, second and third place winners.

Annual attendance fluctuates depending on location, weather conditions, celebrity judges and other local events happening on the same date. What remains the same is that attendees annually report they have a great time. However, TeenFest(ival) is more than a feel-good event; it is a public health education event. Is it working? Yes. We conduct research during the events to gauge if our audience is learning about the harmful effects of illegal substances, violence, underage use of tobacco and alcohol and where to find resources. Based on each year’s results, we make adjustments for the following year. A snapshot is below.

In 2009 TeenFest 2K9 was held at B.N. Duke Auditorium on North Carolina Central University’s campus on April 4, 2009, from 10 am to 4 pm. Approximately 650 people attended; 292 completed surveys regarding what they learned throughout the day’s activities. Here are the results of the survey.

Table 1. Results of TeenFest(ival) 2K9 Survey

Other Cities with At Least One Attendee (N=33):