LeadHer, a Gender-specific Teen Pregnancy Prevention Curriculum for Girls 15-19

LeadHer is a 30-hour curriculum provided under rigorous evaluation, random assignment protocols and covering factual information related to sexual intercourse, including the risks of sex, sexually transmitted infections and use of birth control, along with the following adult preparation topics: Healthy relationships, Adolescent development, Healthy life skills, and Educational and career success.

The project is designed to run for five years; years 2 through 4 will involve providing the intervention curriculum to a total of 300 girls. There will be a control group, Sassy Science running in tandem with LeadHer for 300 girls. Groups will take place at the Alternatives For Girls facility as well as off-site within the community at local schools, primarily during after-school hours and community centers.

Inclusion criteria

• Grade level: 8th grade through high school graduation; Race/ethnicity or tribe: As reflected in the Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan communities: African American, Latina, White, Mixed Races. At the time of the latest U.S. Census data, teens in Detroit were 81.9% African American, 9.7% Latino/a, 4.4% Caucasian, and 3.9% other races/ethnicities; Risk characteristics: Many will be at-risk by virtue of living within 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, doing poorly in local schools, being exposed to gang activities, and being sexually active; Other characteristics: living in Wayne County at the start of the study.

Exclusion criteria

• Target population participants who are already in another pregnancy prevention program.