What is Operation Snowball?
Operation Snowball is an international youth program that empowers student leaders through prevention education, community advocacy, and leadership development to create a positive impact.
Program History
Operation Snowball got its start back in 1977 in Rockford, IL when some participants of the Illinois Teenage Institute (ITI) (now the Cebrin Goodman Teen Institute) came back to their community and thought, “we could do ITI back home!” Thus, Operation Snowball was created. In 1979, Operation Snowball, Inc. was created to make the program stronger and to spread the Snowball idea to other communities.
A Comprehensive Prevention Program
The program fosters a youth & adult partnership. Has been implemented in schools and communities ranging from rural, suburban and urban...from small towns to major metropolitan areas...with the ability to adapt components to address local conditions. Uses the powerful energy and influence of youth to create an atmosphere of positive peer support, recognizing youth as part of the solution. Supports Social Emotional Learning as youth develop attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, and cognitive skills that create healthy and competent adults. Utilizes SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework in developing the infrastructure needed for a community-based, public health approach.
