| Illinois Elementary School Association and Generation Lead Partner to Empower Youth Across Illinois
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The Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA) is proud to announce a new partnership with Generation Lead, a prevention initiative of the Illinois Association for Behavioral Health (IABH), whose aim is to strengthen substance misuse prevention efforts and promote positive decision-making among Illinois middle school students.
Generation Lead is a statewide, youth-focused awareness campaign designed for the youth, by the youth. Its mission is to reduce substance misuse by educating and empowering students to make informed, healthy choices. The campaign recognizes that prevention is essential to ensuring the long-term health and success of Illinois youth.
Through the partnership, Generation Lead will provide IESA member schools and communities with access to free campaign materials including posters, talking kits, postcards, bookmarks, stickers, and more—all available in English, Spanish, and Polish. Additionally, awareness commercials and audio ads are available for schools to share. These resources are designed to engage students directly and can be accessed at www.generationlead.org.
“Generation Lead is about empowering youth to make healthy choices, and our partnership with the IESA is a perfect fit to bring that message to athletes and the entire middle school community across the state,” said Ashley Webb, Chief Operating Officer & Vice President of Programs at the Illinois Association for Behavioral Health (IABH). “Sports teach teamwork, resilience, and discipline, all values that align directly with prevention and behavioral health. Together, we are working to prevent or delay initial substance use, reduce stigma around treatment and recovery, and protect the well-being of youth across Illinois. By joining forces with the IESA, we can meet youth where they are and emphasize that prevention is essential to building stronger, healthier communities.”
IESA Executive Director Nicole Schaefbauer highlighted her excitement for the partnership, emphasizing that student-athletes encounter distinct challenges both in competition and in daily life. “By connecting with Generation Lead, we are reinforcing the importance of healthy choices and giving our schools tools that directly support the well-being of their students,” Schaefbauer said.
This partnership underscores the shared commitment of both organizations to fostering safe, supportive, and healthy environments for young people across Illinois.
For more information about Generation Lead and to access free prevention resources, visit www.generationlead.org.
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