Substance Use Education Program for Wake County Public School Students

SouthLight’s Prevention Services team is committed to educating and empowering youth to make informed, responsible decisions regarding substance use. Through our long-standing partnership with Wake County Public School System (WCPSS), SouthLight has delivered the Alternative Counseling and Education (ACE-1) program to middle and high school students for more than a decade.

ACE-1 (Alternative Counseling Education) is a school system–approved educational program offered following a first violation of the district’s substance use policy. The program allows eligible students to return to school after enrollment and provides structured substance use education focused on prevention, accountability, and long-term decision-making skills.

In addition to delivering ACE-1, our Prevention Services team collaborates with schools, community agencies, and local organizations to promote youth substance use awareness and prevention strategies throughout Wake County.

Questions about SouthLight's Prevention Services & ACE-1 Program?

Contact:

Allison Burnett
phone: (919) 272-6807

email: preventionservices@southlight.org

SouthLight Prevention Services
3117 Poplarwood Court, Suite 115
Raleigh, NC 27604

Available Services

Make immediate referrals for an assessment
Prevention Services
Adolescent Substance Abuse Education (ACE Program)

Educational Programs for Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Substances

Substance Use Resistance Skills
Developing effective communication skills with your teen
Signs and symptom of substance use
Peer pressure
Keeping youth substance free

ACE-1 Program FAQs

ACE-1 is a school system–approved educational program offered to Wake County middle and high school students following a first violation of Board Policy 4309 L3-1 involving possession, use, or being under the influence of alcohol or other substances.

The program provides structured substance use education and skill-building designed to reduce future violations and support responsible decision-making.

Enrollment in ACE-1 allows eligible students to return to their base school following suspension rather than being placed in a Wake County Public School System Alternative Learning Program (ALP).

ACE-1 is provided at no cost to families through SouthLight Healthcare.

Students who:

Are offered the ACE-1 program by their Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) school following a first infraction of Board Policy 4309 L3-1.
Were involved in possession, use, conspiracy to possess or use, or being under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
The infraction does not involve sale, distribution, or conspiracy to distribute substances, which require a higher-level intervention under WCPSS policy.

Program Structure

Three total class sessions
Held once per week for three consecutive weeks
After school from 3:50 PM – 7:00 PM
In-person instruction

Students must attend all sessions and follow class expectations to successfully complete the program.

What Students Learn

ACE-1 follows a Wake County–approved substance use education curriculum designed to help students build decision-making skills and prevent future violations.

Topics include goal setting, responsible decision-making, emotional regulation, and education on the effects of alcohol and other drugs.

Registration appointments are required and scheduled by phone. The student and parent/guardian must attend. The school provides a Participation Agreement Form in the suspension paperwork, which SouthLight completes during registration.

The parent/guardian must return the completed Participation Agreement Form to the school. Once submitted, the student may return after the 5th day of suspension in accordance with WCPSS guidelines. Completion of all class sessions is not required prior to returning.

Call the ACE-1 direct line at (919) 272-6807
You will be directed to the appropriate staff member to schedule your appointment.

When leaving a message, please include:
• Parent name
• Student name
• Phone number

Information can be left by text or voicemail.

A staff member will return your call within 24 business hours.

You have the right to appeal this suspension, while choosing to participate in the ACE-1 Program. If you want to do so, please return the Request for Appeal Hearing form within five (5) school days. The appeal process is explained in the Red Book under Regulations and Procedures 4309.

Important Notes about ACE-1

ACE-1 is provided at no cost when completed through SouthLight Healthcare.
Parents may choose another approved provider at their own expense.
Students who decline ACE-1 or who do not attend or successfully complete the program may be assigned to a Wake County Public School System Alternative Learning Program (ALP) in accordance with district disciplinary guidelines.

Allison Burnett

Certified Health Education Specialist, Team Lead, SouthLight Prevention Services
Allison is the Team Lead for SouthLight’s ACE-1 Program (Alternative Counseling Education), in partnership with the Wake County Public School System. She works in the schools directly with the students who are first-time offenders of the schools’ drug and alcohol policy (use, under the influence, possession of drugs, alcohol, or drug paraphernalia, empty bottles, etc.). For more ACE-1 Program information, please contact: preventionservices@southlight.org.

Substance Use Education Program for Wake County Public School Students

Questions about SouthLight's Prevention Services & ACE-1 Program?

Available Services

Educational Programs for Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Substances

ACE-1 Program FAQs

Important Notes about ACE-1

Allison Burnett

A Parent’s Guide to Teens and Vaping

Warning Signs, Physical Impact, Crucial Conversations

Don’t miss out! Sign up for email updates and stay informed.

Substance Use Education Program for Wake County Public School Students

Questions about SouthLight's Prevention Services & ACE-1 Program?

Available Services

Educational Programs for Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Substances

ACE-1 Program FAQs

What is SouthLight's ACE-1 Program?

Who qualifies for ACE-1?

What is the ACE-1 Program structure?

What do students enrolled in ACE-1 Program learn?

What is the ACE-1 registration process?

Who do I call to book an appointment?

How can I appeal the suspension?

Important Notes about ACE-1

Allison Burnett

A Parent’s Guide to Teens and Vaping

Warning Signs, Physical Impact, Crucial Conversations

Don’t miss out! Sign up for email updates and stay informed.