NEIU was selected from a national applicant pool to receive a grant to fund a student-led prevention program focusing on substance abuse, HIV and hepatitis among Latinos. The grant, which is from the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration, has been awarded to NEIU as a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and can be extended for up to three years in the amount of $225,000. The goal is to serve more than 1,000 students by October 2008. NEIU was one of only two HSIs in the nation selected for the grant.

The University's program, titled the "NEIU Substance Abuse, HIV and Hepatitis Program Initiative" (NEIU-SAHHP Initiative), will provide educational and support services to Latino students through a peer-to-peer approach. Twelve NEIU students selected as Student Peer Educators have been trained to administer various activities to raise awareness of the risks associated with substance abuse, unprotected sexual behavior and sexually transmitted infections.

Specific programming will include involvement in national commemorations such as National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week, World AIDS Day and Hispanic Heritage Month. Student Peer Educators also will take part in off-campus outreach to service agencies in Chicago to offer information to Latino youth about substance abuse, HIV and hepatitis prevention.

Though the NEIU-SAHHP Initiative is designed to serve the University's Latino student population, the various activities associated with the program are open to all members of the campus community.