Research has demonstrated out of school programming that develops the whole person and increases educational aspirations can markedly reduce risk-taking behavior and adolescent pregnancy. Adult role models foster development of leadership skills and provide support systems for young girls who may be lacking adequate support at home.
As early as age eight, some girls suffer from low self-esteem resulting in higher rates of depression, suicide attempts and eating disorders. Often they turn to drugs, alcohol, or begin having sex, as futile attempts to ease their personal suffering. Consider the following:
- The United States has the highest rates of teen pregnancy and births in the western industrialized world costing the United States at least $9 billion annually (Planned Parenthood).
- The State of Florida has the 6th highest rate of teen pregnancy and 2nd highest rate of new AIDS and HIV cases in the country (University of Florida).
- In 2008, Miami-Dade County had the highest number of teen births (2,956) in the state as well as the highest rate of new AIDS and HIV cases.