BJC School Outreach and Youth Development was formed in 1991 to assist St. Louis-area school districts address behaviors deemed extremely harmful to young people by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These six types of high-risk behavior are tobacco use; substance abuse; poor nutrition; lack of physical fitness; risky sexual behaviors; and violence, injury and safety.

Our mission is to empower youth to make the best possible decisions regarding their personal health and safety, and support their health-care career exploration. Working with you, BJC School Outreach and Youth Development brings comprehensive physical and mental health programs to schools in the St. Louis area and the bordering six counties of Illinois (Macoupin, Madison, Monroe, Randolph, St. Clair and Washington). The programs fulfill the Show-Me Standards and Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) Skills for the state of Missouri and the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) requirements for the state of Illinois.

BJC School Outreach and Youth Development instructors measure the effectiveness of each presentation through pre-program and post-program testing. Classes are customized to be age-appropriate for grades kindergarten through high school and can be adapted to fit a school’s needs. Programs are available as individual, one-hour sessions that can be extended into multiple hours, and four-week, six-week and nine-week courses.

Each presentation equips young people with the information and skills they need to lead healthy lifestyles, improve interpersonal relationships, increase academic performance and assess their career interests while reducing risk-taking behaviors. The programs are presented in a fun, interactive manner and include materials for each student.

In addition to group presentations, BJC School Outreach and Youth Development is your contact for health-related information and inquiries to BJC HealthCare affiliates.