Resources for Youth

Whether it has been a bad day, or you just need someone to listen, reach out now. Talk or text 24/7 with these resources designed to support youth.

Talk to someone now. Dial 9-8-8 to speak with a confidential, trained crisis counselor.

MATFORCE resources

Need Help Getting Real Facts?

There is a lot of information out there about drugs and alcohol. Some of it might seem confusing with mixed messages.
LearnMoreAZ.org is designed to give you solid research so that you can answer those questions for yourself.

 

LEARN MORE ABOUT RISKS THAT COME WITH USING THESE DRUGS

Connect with others

YAVAPAI COUNTY YOUTH COUNCIL

Hey, Yavapai County teens!
Join a youth group that is making a difference in their community.

Have you heard of YC2? It’s a youth group that does a lot of things for teens. It’s fun, you’re making a difference in your community, and it looks good on college applications.

Plus, you earn scholarships and service hours!

You just need to be 13 or older to join. Text Ivy at 928-350-5647 and she’ll give you more info.

stay engaged

Yavapai County Youth Contests

2026 #StayHealthy Youth Essay Contest

Open to all Yavapai County high school students (Grades 9–12)!

Do you have something to say about healthy choices, peer pressure, or the realities teens face today? MATFORCE invites high school students across Yavapai County to share their voice through the 2026 #StayHealthy Essay Contest—for a chance to earn cash prizes, be recognized in the community, and have your work featured in official MATFORCE materials. 

Prizes

  • 1st Place: $500

  • 2nd Place: $300

  • 3rd Place: $100

  • Honorable Mention (up to 5 students): $50 each

Deadline

Friday, March 13, 2026

How to Submit

To be eligible, students must submit:
Completed essay
Contest cover sheet with student information (required)
Parent signature required if the student is under 18

Submit by email or mail by March 13, 2026:

  • Email: info@matforceaz.org (Google Docs, Word, or PDF accepted)
  • Mail: MATFORCE, 7749 E. Florentine Road, Suite A, Prescott Valley, AZ 86314

2026 Youth Poster Contest:

Stand With Me, Be Drug Free

Open to all Yavapai County youth ages 5–18

MATFORCE invites Yavapai County youth to participate in our 2026 Poster Contest by creating an original anti-drug poster that encourages others to be drug free. This is a fun and meaningful way for kids and teens to share their creativity while supporting healthy, drug-free choices.

Two grand prizes of $500 each are available—plus age-category prizes and honorable mentions. Lots of chances to win!

Deadline

Friday, March 27, 2026

All poster submissions must be received by the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office or MATFORCE by the deadline. Posters received after this time will not be eligible.

How to Submit

Posters may be submitted:

  • Directly to the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office (for a list of substations, visit ycsoaz.gov), or

  • Mailed to MATFORCE:
    7749 E. Florentine Road, Suite A, Prescott Valley, AZ 86314

  • Emailed to: info@matforceaz.org

Previous Winners

2024 • 2023  •  2022  •  2021  •  2020  •  2019  •  2018  •  2017  •  2016  •  2015  •  2014

DISCLAIMER: This information is provided for persons seeking information for themselves or for someone else. MATFORCE does not make specific recommendations or endorsements regarding any of the resources.