ADELANTE AMIGOS
Youth Development Program

Adelante Amigos (Move Forward Friends) is a long-term, comprehensive youth development program which integrates case management, counseling, mentoring, tutoring, college and career preparation, peer support, health education, and peer outreach.

Beginning in junior or early senior high school, young people at risk for unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, school drop-out, and/or gang involvement are recruited from schools and youth service agencies. The students participate in weekly group meetings, as needed tutoring and counseling, and weekend activities for five years or until one year post high school graduation. Participants also provide community service, including peer outreach. Program members receive stipends for program participation, peer outreach and goal achievement.

This program has been found to increase grade point average, school attendance, self-esteem, college enrollment, and employment, as well as prevent unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, school drop-out, gang involvement, and drug use.

Participant comments include:

"If it hadn't been for the group, I probably would have been a dad by now."

"Because of this program, I am now enrolled in college."

"(The coordinator) helps us whenever we need it."