Keeping it SAFE: Under Twenty-One Alcohol Prevention Coalition
The Keeping it SAFE: Under Twenty-One Alcohol Prevention Coalition, is an independent coalition.
Main Objective: Deter underage alcohol use, reduce adolescent access to alcohol and to reduce the effects of alcohol use in youth under the age of 21. Continue to follow the Communities Mobilizing for Change of Alcohol (CMCA), model program of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, web site www.nrepp.samhsa.gov
KIS Contact
240-777-6657
[email protected]
Team Statement: The Keeping it SAFE: Under Twenty-One Alcohol Prevention Coalition (KIS) will maintain the focus of under twenty-one alcohol prevention and related worthwhile initiatives. KIS recognizes and supports other coalitions addressing drug and tobacco prevention for youth. The combined goals reinforce the necessity of helping our most precious resources, our youth, to grow up safe and healthy.
KIS Partners: Montgomery County Police Department, Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services, Kensington Fire Department, Montgomery County Project Prom/Graduation, Emergency Nurse Association, MC State's Attorney's Office, Washington Regional Alcohol Program, MC PTSA, Humanity Television, MADD, and concerned individuals.
Additional team partnerships still available.
The Keeping it Safe (KIS) Coalition is a multi-agency, public-private coalition established in 1992 with the goals of deterring underage alcohol use and reducing youth access to alcohol.
KIS encourages student teams from Montgomery County public and private high schools and middle schools to create a 30-second public service message from one of these topics about the risks and dangers of under 21 alcohol use:
- Topic 1: Standing Your Ground: Fighting Peer Pressure from Friends to Drink
- Topic 2: How Does Under-21 Alcohol Consumption Affect Your Future
- Topic 3: Social Media's Impact on Under-21 Alcohol Consumption
Please note that this is not an anti-drunk driving message contest. The contest is open to teams of two or more students enrolled in Montgomery County public or private schools or in faith-based or service-based organizations.
Why participate?
Student teams compete for cash prizes for their affiliated organization (checks are payable to schools or organizations only).
Prizes are as follows:
| High School | Middle School |
| 1st place - $1000 | 1st place - $500 |
| 2nd place - $500 | 2nd place - $300 |
| 3rd place - $350 | 3rd place - $250 |
| Honorable Mention - $100 | Honorable Mention - $100 |
Returning This Year:
The video that receives the most "likes" will receive an additional prize of $150!
Winners will be contacted via email or by phone once the winning entries have been selected. Prizes will be awarded at a reception hosted by Montgomery County’s Alcohol Beverage Services and the Police Department in early May.
Eligible For SSL Hours!
We are offering 5 SSL hours. For more details, see here.
Info Meeting
Join us for a virtual information session on January 5th, 2026 or January 8th, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. EST
Slides available after info sessions.
Tips For Your Video
All entries must be 30 seconds in length and should not include copyrighted images without permission. Copyrighted materials include, but are not limited to magazines, books, DVDs, websites, films, YouTube and music.
Here are some helpful resources to help you with your video:
Ready to submit your entry?
It’s easy! Just fill out our online application and share the link to your video entry. Don't forget to fill out a consent and release form per each participating student. Entries are due March 23, 2025 by 4:00 PM.
Questions?
If you have any questions regarding the contest, contact:
Roddy Aguirre
240-777-6652
Call 301-670-SAFE (7233) to request information on hosting under 21 alcohol free events or to report an upcoming under 21 alcohol party, event, or provider.
To report a party in progress, call the non-emergency police line at 301-289-8000.
The Keeping it SAFE Coalition held a training for limousine companies covering Maryland alcohol and drug laws and consequences, indicators of alcohol and drug impairment, current teen trends, and best practices regarding the transportation of clients under the age of 21.
