The Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program is a well-known initiative that has been implemented in schools across the United States and globally for decades. It aims to educate students about the dangers of drug and alcohol use, and to equip them with the skills to resist peer pressure and make healthy choices. Many students participate in DARE programs during their elementary and middle school years, often culminating in a graduation ceremony. But as these students grow older and begin to think about their future careers, a common question arises: Do Employers Care About Graduating Dare Program?
To put it simply, while participation in programs like DARE can be a positive experience for young people, employers generally do not consider DARE program graduation as a significant factor when evaluating job applicants. This isn’t to diminish the potential value of the DARE program itself, but rather to provide a realistic perspective on what employers prioritize in the hiring process.
DARE programs primarily focus on prevention and education. They aim to:
- Provide information about drugs and alcohol: Students learn about the risks and consequences associated with substance abuse.
- Develop refusal skills: DARE teaches strategies for resisting peer pressure to use drugs or alcohol.
- Promote positive decision-making: The program encourages healthy choices and responsible behavior.
- Build self-esteem: DARE aims to empower students to make confident and informed decisions.
These are all valuable life skills, and participating in DARE can certainly contribute to a student’s personal development. However, when employers are looking to fill positions, they are primarily focused on candidates who possess the skills, experience, and qualifications directly relevant to the job.
Employers typically prioritize factors such as:
- Job-specific skills: Can the candidate perform the tasks required for the role?
- Educational background: Does the candidate have the necessary degrees or certifications?
- Work experience: Has the candidate held similar positions or gained relevant experience?
- Soft skills: Does the candidate possess important interpersonal and communication skills?
- References and recommendations: What do previous employers or educators say about the candidate?
While some soft skills fostered by programs like DARE, such as responsible decision-making and resistance to negative peer pressure, are indirectly beneficial in any workplace, employers are unlikely to specifically seek out or prioritize candidates based on their DARE program completion. There are several reasons for this:
- Lack of direct job relevance: DARE program content is not directly tied to specific job skills or industry requirements.
- Focus on prevention, not career development: DARE’s primary goal is substance abuse prevention, not career readiness.
- Widespread availability: DARE is a common program, and graduation is not seen as a unique or distinguishing achievement by employers.
- Difficulty in verification: Employers are unlikely to ask about or verify DARE program participation during the hiring process.
Instead of focusing on past participation in programs like DARE, students who are serious about their future careers should concentrate on developing skills and experiences that employers actively seek. This includes:
- Academic excellence: Strive for good grades and pursue relevant education.
- Skill development: Acquire job-specific skills through courses, workshops, or self-study.
- Gaining work experience: Seek internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities to build a resume.
- Extracurricular activities: Participate in activities that demonstrate teamwork, leadership, and other valuable soft skills (sports, clubs, volunteering).
- Networking: Build connections with professionals in fields of interest.
While graduating from the DARE program might be a personal accomplishment and signify a commitment to healthy choices, it is not a credential that holds significant weight in the eyes of employers. Job seekers are better served by focusing their efforts on acquiring demonstrable skills and experiences that directly align with their career goals. The lessons learned in DARE can contribute to a well-rounded individual, but employers are ultimately looking for candidates who can effectively contribute to their organization’s success through relevant skills and qualifications.
