Workforce training as a social determinant in reducing adolescent pregnancy and risk behaviors among inner city males

A total of 141 young males have enrolled in a work force development program. Monetary stipends up to $1,100 were provided as incentives for consistent participation. A total of 103 males were initially enrolled and 71 were successfully followed from February 2010 to January 2012. Data were generated on job training completion, high school graduation or GED attainment and employment procurement. Outcome measures also included the prevalence of problems with the law, smoking or drinking behaviors and subsequent pregnancies among participants' partners. There were 71 males still active in the program after two years. Most had completed some training component or had obtained employment. The pregnancy rate among partners after the two-year period was less than 10%. Eighteen males admitted to having some sort of legal problems. However, of that group, 14 indicated that the charge was related to minor motor vehicle violations such as speeding, no insurance certificate and seat belt violation. Over half (48) of the males admitted to drinking and or smoking cigarettes and only six of them believed that those behaviors qualified as high risk. The major finding of this pilot project was that among young males enrolled in this job training program, most were able to remain or complete one or more program components and secure employment. Participants, when compared to national data, were more likely to reduce risky sexual and legal behavior. Integrating employment training in health settings can act as a positive social determinant in reducing risk and providing economic stability among males.