In 1997, through a statewide competitive process, the California Department of Health Services funded 112 Community Challenge Grant (CCG) projects to reduce California’s high rates of adolescent pregnancy. Four types of data from a subset of agencies were used in this mixed method analysis: (1) detailed descriptions of intervention content and strategies from project directors; (2) individual program participants’ changes from matched pre- and posttest surveys of knowledge, attitudes, and behavior; (3) qualitative data collected during agency site visits; and (4) data from quarterly progress reports submitted during the first funding cycle. Findings from these analyses suggest that social capital formation fostered by youth development and youth leadership activities increase resiliency and protect against the risk behaviors that frequently result in adolescent pregnancy.
Agencies implemented one or more of the following four approaches to adolescent pregnancy prevention: Youth Development (75%), Comprehensive Family Life Education (74%), Communication Skills (68%) and Abstinence (63%). Analyses of more than 4,000 matched pretest and posttest surveys indicate that participants in programs that combined youth development and comprehensive family life education are significantly more likely than single-focus program participants to demonstrate increased knowledge of STIs and contraceptives, enhanced self-worth, personal strengths (a modified resiliency index), and higher post-secondary educational aspirations. Additional analyses of data from a sub-sample of agencies reveal a strong positive relationship between survey outcomes and program quality. Opportunities for youth leadership appear to enhance these results, through the mediating variables of enhanced social relationships and community engagement.
Learning Objectives: After this session, participants will be able to: 1) Identify the difference between youth development and youth leadership 2) Describe two benefits of youth leadership programs 3) Describe how youth leadership opportunities contribute to adolescent pregnancy prevention and adolescent health more broadly
Keywords: Adolescent Health, Prevention
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Statewide Evaluation Director, Community Challenge Grant Program