Youth and Student Programs

Tawni Basden
DREAM, Inc.
(601) 933-9197

Agnes Willis
MOHS Program Mgr
(601) 977-3763

Youth programs is responsible for coordinating youth related alcohol/drug countermeasure activities throughout the state, such as the following:

Rock the Belt

In 2007, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration tasked the Mississippi Office of Highway Safety (OHS) with a Teen Seat Belt Project due to the high fatality rate of teens in Mississippi. Together using paid media (TV, radio, internet and billboards), working with other agencies and most importantly Law Enforcement we began to create a change. During the two year project Highway Safety focused on eight counties and have I mentioned we are seeing a change? A BIG CHANGE! Teens are buckling up and lives are being SAVED.

One program OHS created was using the same important message we have heard over and over again to BUCKLE UP. Now take that BUCKLE UP message and put a twist on it with a fun and interactive program and you have ROCK THE BELT.

This three part program increases the knowledge of what is happening to our Mississippi youth by speaking with the students, presenting an award winning report “ROOM TO LIVE” and very fun interactive activities. The highlight of the program are the students themselves ROCK N THE BELT!!!

This program is now offered STATEWIDE. Contact Robin Layton, Youth Program Director, to check dates available for your school (at least two weeks’ notice, please). Come on, Get a Grip and Rock the Belt!

Student Advisory Board

Looking for ways to spread the message about highway safety and healthy lifestyles to Mississippi youth? Do you have the ability or desire to lead the way and share your message with other teens? Click on this link to learn how students entering grades 9-12 have been the leaders in our state through designing, planning and implementing two large conferences as well as many local and national campaigns and activities.

Student Advisory Board Application

Visit the SAB on Facebook

Mississippi Club Officer Training

When you come to Club Officer Training, you hear national speakers, attend workshops based on today’s hot topics and network with other teens. You will be motivated and prepared with activities and action plans for your school and community.

Come learn leadership skills, information on highway safety, tools on prevention, activity ideas, fun contests, and meet students just like you! Students in grades 7th through 12th are encouraged to attend. Click on this link for more information.

Teens on the Move

If you haven’t been to this one day conference, held every April in Jackson, what are you waiting for? Students in grades 7th through 12th who are active with highway safety programs, SADD activities or leadership clubs are invited to attend. Last year, 1400 outstanding students were there; celebrating their accomplishments and promoting safety. This is a day like no other and we award YOU for your hard work. There are awards like Chapter of the Year, SADD Student of the Year, Outstanding Student of the Year, Advisor of the Year and many, many more.

Teens on the Move 2011 will be our 22nd Anniversary – Don’t miss out this year!

Public Service Announcement (PSA) Contest

USM and the Office of Highway Safety are hosting a PSA Contest where semi-finalist will attend this year’s Teens on the Move April 22nd to showcase their creation.

PSA Cover

PSA Instructional Form

PSA Registration Form and Details

Visit TOTM on MySpace