The issue of teenage pregnancy deserves special attention. Nevada ranks among the top ten states with regard to the rate of teenage pregnancies. In Eleven percent of all live births in Nevada are to teen parents. All teenage pregnancies are considered high risk for medical complications. Additionally, pregnancy as a teenager has long lasting implications for both mother and child.
Pregnancy is the most often listed reason for dropping out of school.
Eighty percent of pregnant teens dropout with only half of those returning and eventually completing their high school education. These young women are then more likely to experience unemployment, poverty, family violence, and poor health. Fourteen percent of households in Nevada receiving Aid to Dependent Children are headed by mothers less than 20 years of age. Leadership development opportunities for community decision-makers. The creation, implementation and evaluation of community decision-making models.