The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation’s Youth Substance Use Prevention and Early Intervention Strategic Initiative: Evaluating the Impact

This evaluation report summarizes the progress made towards reaching the Hilton Foundation’s overarching goals for the Youth Substance Use Prevention and Early Intervention Strategic Initiative, highlights the key learnings emerging from the Initiative, and demonstrates the impact of this prevention and early intervention strategy. Key recommendations for the second half of the five year initiative outlined in the report include: (1) assess SBIRT outcomes with follow-up data collection and new evaluation metrics, (2) guide grantees towards evidence-based practices and resources, (3) respond to emerging program issues and fill gaps in current research, and (4) explore new ways to change cultural norms around youth substance use. Similar to the third annual evaluation report, this report provides a broad overview of the Initiative as well as rich background around youth substance use as a public health concern.

Abt Associates