The Challenge
Youthwise is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping Black Hills teenagers make good choices. Their mission is to arm them with the information and motivation they need to develop strong care, self-esteem and healthy lifestyles. Their programs aim to improve school attendance, social skills and graduation rates. This is especially difficult in South Dakota were non-treated alcoholism among teenagers ranks in the top 5 in the US. South Dakota also has one of the highest percentages of underage smokers in the United States, ranking 44th out of 50 states#.

The Plan
TDG and Youthwise formed a partnership in 2008 to begin work on a campaign targeting tweens and teens to make healthy lifestyle choices. TDG assisted Youthwise in acquiring a Drug-free Community Grant. Once funding was secured, TDG developed creative for programs ranging from mentoring to tobacco cessation. Work included brochures and flyers targeting elementary to high school age children, an outdoor campaign designed to inform parents of the harms of second hand smoke, promotions for training sessions for educators and the community, annual and planning reports and grant proposals.

The Results
According to the South Dakota Department of Health – Tobacco Control, there has been a continual year after year decrease in the percentage of children who smoke or have tried tobacco since. It is through educational programs such as Youthwise that reach the children on front lines. Having a creative that is not only informative but attractive to the teenage population is especially important. TDG incorporated all of these aspects into their work for Youthwise.