About Focus

Focus is a statewide youth prevention program that provides students with many programming opportunities to build skills in advocacy, leadership, public speaking, and youth gambling prevention education.  These opportunities include the PhotoVoice Project, , Messaging Campaign, Gift Responsibly Campaign, and Problem Gambling Awareness Month Campaign.  This program is for youth leaders who want a seat at the table, to share their own perspectives, and to use their voice.

Why Gambling Education Matters in Illinois

  • 1 in 6 Illinois teens say they’ve gambled for money in the past year

  • Sports betting is everywhere — especially during big games

  • Most youth don’t know when “fun” crosses the line into risky.

Focus is for Illinois youth — we break down the facts, talk about the real risks, and help you stay in control of your choices.

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Why Prevention Matters

With Prevention Education We Can:

  • Create healthy habits and lifestyles

  • Work to address mental health challenges, substance use and misuse, underage drinking, underage gambling and more

  • Equip youth with the knowledge, tools, and leadership skills to recognize the risks of gambling and take action to prevent its normalization among peers and in their communities

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Focus Staff

Partner Programs