"Project Venture (PV) is the internationally recognized, eEvidence-based Fflagship program of the National Indian Youth Leadership Project (NIYLP). Project Venture evolved from a dream that our Founder had over 40 years ago. Elders helped translate that dream and offered wisdom and advice that has guided the development of Project Venture and NIYLP's work over the last three decades. In the National High Risk Youth Study, (2002) Project Venture was identified as the Most Effective program serving American Indian/Alaska Native youth. PV contained all eight components, identified by the Ddirector of the study, Dr. Fred Springer, as the Characteristics of the Most Effective programs in the study. From there, Project Venture went on to receive the Exemplary, Promising, Effective and finally, in 2005, the Model Program designation.
"Project Venture is a Positive Youth Development approach, with a unique culturally-based group development process and does not focus on deficits, but on the positive behaviors and healthy lifestyles that we want young people to choose. Project Venture is a year -long sequence of challenges and growth opportunities, implemented in- school, out of school, weekends, multi-day trips and summer camps. NIYLP has a curriculum, with lesson plans and learning outcomes identified.
Project Venture incorporates the best of the values and customs common to indigenous peoples of Turtle Island, as well as the most effective ideas from the science-based world of prevention research and youth development. Project Venture represents our best effort to strike a balance between traditional wisdom and research and prevention practice. Our work incorporates outdoor adventure and challenge, actively engaging youth in developing life skills, while reinforcing traditional indigenous values regarding family, community, service and appreciation for the magic of the natural world.
Project Venture is recognized by the National Registery of Effective Programs and Practices (NREPP) and Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP)."
Retrieved https://projectventure.org/programs/
