The California Friday Night Live Program was developed in 1984 in Sacramento by the State Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs (ADP) and the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). It began as a program dedicated to reducing the number of deaths and injuries caused by teen motorists driving under the influence of alcohol and other drugs. San Diego County joined the movement in 1986 and began presenting the FNL slide show at schools all over the county. Formation of FNL chapters in San Diego began in 1988.

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By 1990, the main focus of the program statewide began to shift from one of preventing drinking and driving among teens to one of promoting healthy lifestyles free of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use among youth of all ages. The program subsequently added the Club Live component for junior high/middle school age youth; FNL Kids for grades 4-6; and FNL Mentoring which links high school mentors with middle school protégés.



The FNL Program is continually evolving and adapting to the latest trends and issues affecting youth, responding to current prevention and youth development research, and addressing the unique needs of each community served. Membership reflects the diversity of each school's population and chapter development is open to all San Diego County school districts.



The primary focus of the FNL Program is to form youth/adult partnerships which provide programs rich in opportunities and support, so young people will be less likely to engage in problem behaviors, be more likely to achieve in school, and then become positive and productive members of their communities.