Maximizing All Potentials

Two middle school students writing at a desk

Established in 1984, Maximizing All Potentials (MAPS) is a research, public service, and training program dedicated to the prevention of drug and alcohol problems among youth, the promotion of adolescent mental health, and the development of capable young people. MAPS works with schools, families, communities, children, and adolescents in a variety of settings. As a result of our long-standing service throughout Western Pennsylvania, we continue to grow and establish a multitude of evidence-based programming supporting and meeting the needs of all populations.

Additionally, we were active in the development of the Student Assistance Program and Evaluation Framework. Since its inception, MAPS has been an integral component of not only school SAP teams, but also an extension to services offered to students outside the scope of SAP (specifically Tiers 2 and 3).

MAPS is a program of the University of Pittsburgh School of Education and Allegheny County Drug and Alcohol Prevention Programs. MAPS is certified by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Health, Office of Drug and Alcohol Programs.

Program Overview

Our staff has experience providing a range of supports and interventions to K-12 students from universal programming to intensive and individualized supports as indicated.

Below is a listing of some examples of services we have provided to schools throughout Western PA.

Given the education, background, and experience of our team, including certifications in Life Coaching and Threat Assessment, we can draw from a variety of resources to customize supports within school districts and communities. 

Provided Services

  • Behavioral Health Screening
  • Prevention Events (Wellness, Kindness Matters, Anti-Bullying, Red Ribbon)
  • Classroom lessons
  • Parent education/engagement
  • Consultation/support to school staff
  • Girls on the Run
  • Catch My Breathe
  • Red Ribbon Week
  • School-wide assemblies
  • Staff training/professional development
  • School-wide needs assessment

  • Leadership/Service learning
  • School-based mentoring/life coaching
  • Targeted small groups
  • Check in/check out
  • SAP team participation, follow up support and consultation
  • Student observation and recommendations
  • Connections to resources for students/families within the school and community
  • ESL support
  • D/A screenings

  • Crisis intervention
  • Threat assessment
  • Truancy support/Interventions
  • Consultation/support to IEP teams
  • Transition support
  • Restorative practices
  • Emotional support classroom interventions/support

Another one of our focus areas is Gambling Awareness and Prevention. Each year, we conduct presentations at various senior community centers, schools and other community venues, providing information to assist our audiences on how to make wise decisions regarding gambling, risk factors, and where to go if gambling has become a barrier to their everyday living.

Community Collaborations

MAPS has a strong connection within our community and has several community partnerships throughout Western PA.  Through these partnerships, MAPS participates in planning meetings which include collaboration and community drug, tobacco and alcohol prevention, and wellness events. MAPS has also conducted presentations and training to and alongside various organizations throughout our region.

It is our goal to spread education, and awareness in order to better serve at-risk individuals and help those we work with reach their full potential. 

Some of our partnerships include:

  • Teen Mental Health Collaborative 
  • Allegheny Family Network
  • Boys & Girls Club
  • Crossroads Foundation
  • The Mentoring Partnership
  • The Caring Place
  • UPStreet Pittsburgh
  • Jewish HealthCare Foundation
  • Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative/Trying Together

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