Middle and high schools in 180 communities nationwide and community-based organizations. Independent research has shown that WAVE enhanced students' determination to stay in school, scores on self-esteem and job readiness improved markedly, and math and reading levels rose an average of one grade level. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., WAVE is in more than 180 communities and schools across the country,serving more than 18,000 youths annually. Many of WAVE's youths face insurmountable challenges, including low self-esteem, family problems, substance abuse, teen pregnancy, and fear of, or involvement in, crime. WAVE helps them overcome barriers to success and lead productive lives.
All youths become members of an esteem-building leadership association that they run.
The Association sponsors social, civic, and fundraising events that help promote members' sense of personal responsibility and community service. Participants learn critical thinking, decisionmaking, communication, and leadership skills in a curriculum that emphasizes life skills, personal development, career awareness, and employability. A dropout prevention program for middle school students. The program's goals are to reduce absenteeism, improve grades, enhance self-esteem, and increase the likelihood that students will stay in school. A program for high school dropouts that emphasizes basic education skills, completion of the GED, and employment training.