This program targets the female middle school population, whom in transition from elementary school, find themselves facing a range of new circumstances and often a more independent atmosphere. These students are presented with many obstacles that may affect their development, safety and even their future as productive, contributing citizens. The effects of the student’s behavior impact families, school communities, communities at large and, especially, the child herself.

With this in mind it also needs to be recognized that often kids learn well from each other and they can easily influence each other. Thus working together in small groups tackling these sorts of obstacles and transitional circumstances with the guidance of an experienced adult can ease this tumultuous time. The program assists students in making better, more informed decisions, handling new responsibilities and dealing with many of the issues of growing up.This ten-week program provides participating students an opportunity to gather once a week with a group of ten, all-female peers and an adult facilitator to discuss some of these new circumstances and how to deal with them in an effective and positive manner. The circumstances encountered by these students, which would be discussion topics throughout the program, include: As they learn and progress through the program these students may support one another in positive decision making and habits. The program also introduces students to the network of resources that are available to them should they find themselves floundering over a decision, involved in an uncomfortable situation, or simply overwhelmed.The goals of the program are to foster informed decision making, effective coping skills and good mental and physical health by realizing that a) students do have control over many situations, b) that peers can offer support and beneficial peer pressure, and c) to teach them how to access the adult support network available to them.