POCO, the Power of Choosing Out, is a youth-led nonprofit in Los Angeles. Trained student leaders teach their friends the facts about drugs, vaping and addiction, and help each other choose a healthier path.
Empower yourself and others
Our mission is to empower youth to make positive life choices by focusing on three goals.
Teach teens how to prevent substance abuse and avoid harmful habits.
Develop youth leaders who inspire and educate their peers to create positive change.
Provide healthy community activities as safe, fun alternatives to harmful behaviors.
POCO started in 2023 with a simple idea: teens listen to teens. We are a California 501(c) nonprofit bringing prevention education and awareness about substance use, addiction and other compulsive behaviors to young people and their families.
We sponsor and train peer volunteers, who encourage their friends to do the same through activities and peer-led group training.
youth members in grades 6 to 12, with alumni as mentors
elementary students taught at our English camp in Thailand
prevention topics taught by teens, for teens
certificates students can earn, from Narcan to grant writing
Experienced staff and professionals train student volunteers. Those students start chapters at their schools and pass it on, friend to friend.
Get the real facts on vaping, fentanyl, alcohol, cannabis, naloxone and more.
Commit to choosing out, and invite your friends to pledge with you.
Lead lessons for classmates, run chapter events and help new chapters grow.
Each school chapter is made up of grade-level groups, led by student leaders.
Project groups and function groups bring students from different schools together.
Bring peer-led prevention to your school. We help students launch, train and lead.
Start a chapter