About the Prevention Learning Portal

The Prevention Learning Portal (PLP) is a free, online learning platform designed to build the knowledge, skills, and capacity of the prevention workforce. Developed in partnership between the Evidence-based Prevention and Intervention Support (EPIS) team at Penn State and the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD). Funding and support provided by PCCD, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP), as well as additional partners who are featured at the bottom of this page.

The PLP provides accessible, high-quality training and resources to support individuals and organizations working to create healthier communities. Whether you are new to prevention or an experienced professional, the PLP offers practical, self-paced learning opportunities grounded in prevention science and implementation best practices. Our courses, tools, and eLibrary resources are designed to help you choose, implement, and sustain effective programs that improve outcomes for youth, families, and communities.

To equip prevention professionals, community leaders, and partners with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to effectively implement evidence-based prevention strategies and strengthen community well-being.

We envision a future where prevention science and implementation best practices are widely understood, adopted, and applied, resulting in stronger systems, healthier individuals, and more resilient communities.

The PLP serves as a one-stop hub for prevention learning and workforce development, offering:

• Free, self-paced eLearning courses designed for busy professionals
• Continuing education opportunities for educators, social workers, and other fields
• Practical tools and templates to support real-world implementation
• A curated eLibrary with resources on topics like mental health, substance use, youth engagement, and community data
• Content for all experience levels, from foundational concepts to advanced application

Our learning experiences are built by subject matter experts and designed to translate research into actionable strategies you can use in your work immediately.

The PLP is designed for anyone working to improve outcomes for youth and families, including:

• Prevention professionals
• Educators and school staff
• Community coalition members
• Human service providers
• Public health professionals
• Policy and systems leaders

We believe prevention is a shared responsibility and our platform supports collaboration across sectors to drive meaningful, lasting change.

While rooted in Pennsylvania, the PLP reaches learners across the United States and around the world. By making prevention education accessible and practical, we are helping to build a stronger, more connected prevention workforce equipped to address today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities.

The Prevention Learning Portal is made possible through funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) and is developed by the EPIS project within the Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center at Penn State.