The primary goal of the program is to assist youth in avoiding unintended pregnancy and making responsible sexual decisions. Participants have better outcomes four years after entering high school when compared to the New York City public school Class of 1994. Participants have substantially lower rates of alcohol use when compared to national samples of adolescents in the same age group. Participants are less likely to be sexually active, and those who eventually do become sexually active are more likely to have used contraception when compared to national samples. Some health and sex education is included.
Facilitators serve as mentors and link youth to volunteer activities.
The program seeks to prevent early pregnancy and encourage school achievement. Early data show a reduction in teenage pregnancy as well as in school suspension and drop-out rates. The volunteering and classroom curriculum appear to be working although greater site volunteer hours and older students were associated with more positive outcomes. The Postponing Sexual Involvement Curriculum, developed by the Emory University School of Medicine and Grady Memorial Hospital Teen Services Program, provides teens with the skills they need to resist peer pressure and early sexual involvement. The curriculum offers a clear message that favors abstinence and postponing sexual involvement, but also provides information about contraception.