All Teen Empowerment programs are based on the Teen Empowerment Model, a unique approach to youth development. Most young people, particularly high-risk youth, do not have opportunities to be powerful in legitimate ways. Thus, they may seek to gain power through more accessible means such as use of weapons, involvement with gangs, drugs, risky sexual behaviors, and criminal and self-destructive acts. Youth need authentic opportunities to exercise power. Efforts to reach and engage high-risk teens must provide youth with ways of achieving visible positions of legitimate power, i.e., the ability to make decisions and take actions with the potential to substantially impact their schools and communities.
Urban youth can contribute to the rejuvenation of inner-city neighborhoods and institutions.
Long-term change can not be achieved without their involvement. Programs that seek to engage youth as community organizers must address motivational, skills development, and behavior management issues. For youth to become community leaders, they must also be empowered to manage their personal challenges and develop themselves intellectually and emotionally. The Teen Empowerment Model includes training and management systems that make it possible for young people, including high-risk youth, to be highly productive members of working groups. The behavior contract and training in feedback skills strengthen Youth Organizers' abilities to manage their own behavior.