Program Outline
The Coming of Age Program uses an interactive approach to engage youth in thoughtful discussion regarding responsible decision making around current and future life issues. The program does not hold any specific moral prerogative in this interaction.
Facilitators mentor the group and raise questions that solicit thoughtful responses from youth within the group setting. A key to this engagement is providing a safe and confidential environment that maintains mutual respect. A major goal of the program is to improve self-esteem before youth encounter the issues of young adulthood.
Many of the topics covered in these groups are raised by, or drawn from, the group itself. Then class formats are developed using a variety of teen educational resources. Annually measured pre and post results continue to indicate an improvement in self-esteem for program participants overall.
Evaluation and Collaboration
– Weekly class assessment and curriculum adjustment.
– Participant self-assessment.
– School faculty and staff feedback.
– Parent and staff feedback questionnaire.
– Pre-program staff needs assessment.
– Documentation and reporting.
– Pre and post self-esteem testing.
– Weekly meetings with school psychologists.
– Collaboration and networking with other Marin youth organizations.
– Semester parent nights.
– Teacher meetings.
What People Are Saying
“...parents have said they feel this is important and are grateful it is being offered.”
— School Principal“Youth group is great, we play fun games and talk about important stuff that we want to talk about.”
— Youth Participant“Boy's group has changed the way I communicate with my son. It's been great for us.”
— Parent“Working with the Coming of Age facilitators has helped my work with several students.”
— School LCSW“Working closely with some of the boys in your group has supported parts of my one-on-one counseling.”
— School LCSW“I've seen tremendous growth in how your student relates to others.”
— Participant's Therapist“You guys are great, I have seen a lot of change at home from the work you are doing, thanks a lot.”
— Parent“I have seen a dramatic decrease in punitive office visits from this class since program involvement.”
— School Principal“Boy's group is so unique, all schools should include it in their curriculum. It builds their confidence, encourages maturity and mutual understanding. I have seen incredible growth throughout the year with my son.”
— Parent“The boys in my class like you, trust you, and have looked forward to their Fridays. I have seen them grow up, gain confidence, and be more tolerant of one another's differences as a result of the work you have done with them in the past year. They have clearly learned skills that help them cope with competitiveness and rejection.”
— 6th Grade Teacher