This paper describes the Project ALERT program (Adolescent Learning Experiences in Resistance Training) which was established by the Rand Corporation to prevent smoking and drug use among seventh graders. The program is based on the social influence model of drug use initiation. Curriculum features are described including motivation to resist and resistance skills; integration of elements from the Health Belief Model, social learning theory, and the self-efficacy approach to behavior change; and helping young people counter internal as well as external pressures to use drugs. Four strategies designed to enhance the student's motivation to avoid drug use are discussed: (1) increasing the student's sense of the seriousness of drug use; (2) increasing the student's perceived susceptibility to the consequences of using drugs; (3) decreasing the perceived barriers to resistance; and (4) increasing the perceived benefits of resistance. Activities to build resistance skills are presented which incorporate principles of social learning and behavior change such as specifying proximal goals, learning through active involvement, using role models, and enhancing motivation and perceived success through reinforcement and validation. The paper concludes with a summary of the content of the Project ALERT curriculum, and a list of references. (KGB)