About Us

​The Tennessee Teen Institute is a five-day camp to provide education and training in youth development, leadership and prevention. TTI offers various formats of training including workshops, seminars, and activities that help young people grow to be strong, healthy individuals who will have the skills needed to make a difference in the community in which they live. TTI 2019 hosted approximately 500 teen leaders, adult advisors, and TTI staff. These participants leave TTI motivated not only to make healthy decisions in their own lives, but also committed to work so that others are making healthy decisions as well.
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Teen Institute Mission

The mission of Tennessee Teen Institute is to unlock the potential of the youth of Tennessee to lead by example and to take a proactive role in bringing about positive changes. TTI challenges young people to unlock their potential by giving them the skills, knowledge, and attitudes they need to make healthy choices, build positive relationships, and contribute to their schools and community in a meaningful way.

Objectives

• To decrease the number of teens who use substances.
• To prevent onset of substance use.
• To increase one’s self-esteem.
• To increase awareness of substance abuse related risk factors.
• To increase resiliency factors (factors which help maintain a healthy lifestyle).
• To develop cultural competence.
• To develop leadership skills.

What happens at TTI?

• General information sessions
  
• Interactive workshop sessions
  
• Team-building activities
  
• Student focus groups
  
• Student focus team presentations
  
• Recreational activities
  
• Community Action Team meetings
  
• FUN! FUN! FUN!

Who should apply?

• Youth who are serious about making a change in their schools /communities
  
• Youth who are alcohol, tobacco and drug free
  
• Youth who show leadership qualities
  
• Adults who are concerned about their youth in local schools and communities
  
• Adults who enjoy interacting with youth