KIDS OFF DRUGS
K.O.D. (Kids Off Drugs) is a high-energy, school-based initiative that helps youth and young adults avoid or reduce substance use. The program helps young people learn about the history of drugs in Baltimore and the cultural norms that lead to substance use.
Based on Grammy award winning rapper J-Cole and his K.O.D. album, Kids On Drugs, the Kids Off Drugs program incorporates aspects of Hip-Hop and Baltimore culture — including language, arts, and history — as a social, cultural, and contextual framework for addressing substance use.
K.O.D. SCHOOL Programs
Through the use of Hip-Hop culture, interactive presentations, and local celebrities, youth learn about:
Drugs and their effects
Risky behavior associated with substance use
Resistance and refusal skills
Effective communication and negotiation skills
History, race, and culture
Prevention self-efficacy skills
learn more from staff & arTists
Watch us in action!
We offer three K.O.D. activities for schools to choose from: Juice and Paint, Versuz Battle, and Tiny Desk. Each activity creates spaces for young people to express themselves creatively and share about their experiences.
Juice & PAINT
In our Juice & Paint program, K.O.D. gives young people the chance to creatively use art to share their thoughts and feelings, while learning about the dangers of substance use.
Versuz BATTLE
Students love being part of this showdown between Baltimore rap artists, where we use information about substance as the backdrop.
TINY DESK
Our Tiny Desk program, loosely modeled on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts, uses music to connect with young people about substance use issues.
choose creativity
It's hard out here Baltimore! Life can be stressful. You're up against a lot! Like bullies at school, family stress or problems in your neighborhood. Creativity can help you take charge of your life and be authentically you.
BRING K.O.D. TO YOUR SCHOOL!
K.O.D. is free for your school and students! Our team works with Baltimore City public schools to schedule and execute K.O.D. programming.
We’d love to come to your school!
Interested? Please fill out the form below or reach us at info@kodbaltimore.org.
BALTIMORE
BORN AND RAISED
K.O.D. LEADERSHIP
Youth engagement professionals from Baltimore City Health Department, Behavioral Health System Baltimore, and the nonprofit Catalyst of Change deliver programs tailored to middle school, high school, and college audiences.
