2002 Project Venture receives Effective program status. The Center for Substance Abuse Prevention and the National Registry of Effective Prevention programs elevates Project Venture to the next level (Effective), based on outstanding evaluation data.

2003 CSAP National Cross-site Evaluation of High Risk Youth Programs finds Project Venture in Top 5 overall and Most Effective of all programs serving Native American populations.

2004 Project Venture named Model Program. Project Venture is the first Native American Model program recognized by CSAP and NREPP.

2005 W.K. Kellogg Foundation recognizes NIYLP as one of their Milestone Programs for the 75th Anniversary celebration of the foundation.

2005 First Nations Behavioral Health Association recognizes Project Venture as one of their Effective Practices and Models for Children of Color.

2007 Trailblazer Award. NIYLP founder, McClellan Hall is recognized by the National Service Learning Partnership with the Trailblazer Award for his work in establishing the Legacy of Service Learning in the United States.

2008 Founder’s Award. NIYLP Founder McClellan Hall receives the National Youth Leadership Council’s 25th Anniversary Founder’s Award.