District Attorney’s “4 or 40” Program

About the Program

Category: Children and Youth (Best in Category)

Year: 2010

“4 or 40: The Choice is Yours” is a short film created through a partnership between the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office and its Youth Advisory Board (YAB) at Lincoln High School. The board created the idea behind “4 or 40” and used the film to educate local teenagers about the importance of choices in a crucial time of their lives. The film’s theme centered on the concept that the choices youths make during the four years of high school will affect the next 40 years of their lives. The YAB began by creating a plot and script in conjunction with a local film production company and created a graphic brand attached to the film. The film began shooting with YAB serving as crew members and extras and premiered at Lincoln High School this past summer. The premiere brought attendees from public agencies, churches and local organizations all under one roof in support of the film and the “4 or 40” program. Since the premiere, YAB members and “4 or 40” staff presented the film for youth related organizations and class room, bringing the film’s empowering message to students across the county. It has been presented at more than 15 sites, where over 500 students, parent, staff and public officials have seen the film.