Operation Snowball is an international youth program that empowers student leaders through prevention education, community advocacy, and leadership development to create a positive impact. Operation Snowball began in 1977 in Rockford, Illinois when participants of the Teen Institute came back to their community and thought, “We could do TI back home!” Thus, Operation Snowball was created.  The name originates from the idea that “If I have a positive impact on you, you can have a positive impact on someone else and the effect snowballs.”

Operation Snowball Teams are organized in schools and communities primarily in Illinois, but are also found in other states and internationally.