Youth Gambling Awareness Project

The Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) and the CT Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services – Problem Gambling Services (DMHAS PGS) are thrilled to announce the expansion of the Youth Gambling Awareness Project in Connecticut!

This is a unique opportunity for middle and high school groups to take the lead on a critical issue. We are offering grants of up to $5,000 to fund youth-led media campaigns (specifically, PSA videos) that will raise awareness about problem gambling and promote available resources.

What’s Involved?

  • Youth-Led Campaigns: Students will be the creative force behind these campaigns, developing powerful messages that resonate with their peers and communities.

  • Support and Training: Selected groups won’t be on their own. We’ll provide training and technical assistance to help students and their adult advisors bring their campaign ideas to life, from concept to final video.

  • Showcase Your Work: The final projects will be featured at our statewide showcase on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, celebrating the hard work and impact of participating groups.

This project is a fantastic way for students to develop valuable skills in media production, leadership, and public health advocacy while creating a tangible, positive change in their communities.

2025-2026 RFA Questions/Answers

  1. Is it required that students create specifically a PSA, or could it be a podcast episode? Does it have to be focused on gambling or can it be around gaming?
    The requirement is to create a PSA video, and all PSA projects must be specifically focused on youth problem gambling. If grantees would like to submit a podcast or another type of project, they may do so in addition to the PSA.
  2. I receive state funding to offer an afterschool program. Is this opportunity open to all programs regardless of funding?
    Yes. This opportunity is open to all programs working with middle and high school students, regardless of funding source.
  3. Is this opportunity available to any organization working with middle and high school students, or only 21st CCLC recipients?
    It is available to any organization working with middle and high school youth.
  4. Is this separate from the CT Council Multicultural Grant, and are there any restrictions on applying for both?
    If you are currently working with middle and/or high school students, you are eligible to apply. There is no conflict in applying for both opportunities.

The Gambling Awareness Youth Media Project is a partnership between Capitol Region Education Council (CREC), CT Council on Problem Gambling (CCPG) and DMHAS Problem Gambling Services (PGS), to work with youth across the state to focus on gambling prevention. Through this partnership, we are able to provide learning experiences on the value of prevention, raise awareness of the warning signs of problem gambling and assist youth and their adult advisors develop, produce and distribute gambling awareness messages.

For questions or more information, please contact Trisila Tirado ttirado@crec.org

Organizations that will be participating in the 2024-2025 Youth Media Project:
  • Center for Latino Progress
  • Organized Parents Make A Difference, Inc
  • Catholic Charities
  • Montville Youth Services Youth Action Council
  • Northeast Opportunities for Wellness, Inc. (NOW)
  • AHM Youth & Family Services SOAR Youth Group
  • Rushford Center
  • The Dr. Joseph S. Renzulli Gifted and Talented Academy
  • Wakeman Boys & Girls Club
  • Waterford Youth and Family Services
  • Wolcott CASA

 

View Project Archive

View the 2025 Final Projects Below – Thank you to the participating groups!

2024 Final Projects

2023 Final Projects