Project Graduation originated in the Oxford Hills area (Paris/Norway) of Maine in 1980, as a collaborative effort fueled by community engagement spurred by a state initiative. Since its inception, it has been acknowledged as a pioneering model nationwide, aimed at safeguarding the well-being of graduating seniors.

In 1978, the Division of Alcohol and Drug Education Services, under Maine's Department of Education, partnered with the Bureau of Safety to launch an Alcohol, Other Drugs and Highway Safety Prevention/Intervention Program. This initiative sought to empower local schools and communities to address issues related to alcohol and substance abuse.

Teams from Oxford Hills and five other communities underwent extensive training provided by the division. Equipped with an 11-day immersive training session followed by ongoing guidance, these teams developed action plans to implement comprehensive alcohol and drug prevention programs within their communities.

Driven by the desire to prevent tragedies like the seven alcohol and drug-related teen deaths in 1979, the Drug and Alcohol Team of Oxford Hills (DATOH) spearheaded efforts to educate the Class of 1980 at Oxford Hills High School about the risks associated with drinking, drug use, and driving. They introduced an alternative to the traditional graduation-night drinking event, calling it "Project Graduation," a chemical-free celebration. This initiative garnered significant media coverage and was endorsed as a major program by the Division of Alcohol and Drug Education Services.

Through concerted efforts and media outreach in Maine, Project Graduation gained traction beyond Oxford Hills, expanding to 12 sites in 1981 and reaching 86 sites by 1983, coinciding with a decline in alcohol-related teen highway deaths. By 1986, Project Graduation had expanded to 139 sites, involving 98% of Maine's high schools and attracting 80% of the graduating seniors.

The success of Project Graduation drew national attention, with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services selecting it as one of eight national models showcased at a conference in Washington, D.C., in 1983. This recognition prompted other states, including Florida and Texas, to explore replicating the project in their regions.

In subsequent years, Project Graduation gained further momentum, with a National Project Graduation Conference held in Springfield, Illinois, in 1984, attracting delegations from 38 states. By 1986, Project Graduation had expanded to all 50 states and two Canadian provinces, receiving coverage in national publications like Good Housekeeping and Woman's Day.

By 1990, Project Graduation had made significant strides in reducing youth fatalities attributed to drinking, drugging, and driving in Maine during the graduation season, with no reported incidents for three consecutive years. Recognized as more than just a graduation night event, Project Graduation fosters a community-wide planning process that promotes a caring environment and facilitates open communication between youths and adults.

Central to Project Graduation's success is the students' commitment to enjoying their graduation night without alcohol or drugs, emphasizing personal responsibility and empowerment in maintaining a chemical-free celebration, distinguishing it from other school-related functions.

Source: Wikipedia