ERIC Number: ED460211
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2001-Oct
Pages: 81
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
The National Study of Girl Neighborhood Power: An Out-of-School Program for Girls Ages 9 to 14.
Zweig, Janine M.; Van Ness, Asheley
This study examined the types of activities offered through Girl Neighborhood Power (GNP) and the extent to which low-income girls reported positive experiences and outcomes related to psychological, social, behavioral, and academic adjustment. Four communities implemented federally funded GNP programs, which provided various activities and services to promote positive youth development through coordinated community efforts of multiple local agencies. Components included health education, health care access, adult mentoring, before/after school activities, community service and volunteering opportunities, journaling, and career development. Activities emphasized preventing substance abuse and premature sexual activity/pregnancy, increasing knowledge and use of health care, promoting healthy behaviors, increasing knowledge about career opportunities, and building confidence in many domains. Researchers surveyed and interviewed girls, their parents, and community partners. GNP positively influenced girls' social, psychological, academic, and behavioral adjustment. Girls reported developing more social skills and self-confidence and an interest in community service. Expressing feelings through journaling helped girls handle frustration. They felt that learning not to use drugs was a very important component of GNP. GNP helped girls learn how to live healthy lives. Community partners perceived GNP as a valuable out-of-school program. (Contains 24 references.) (SM)
Descriptors: Academic Achievement, Community Involvement, Community Programs, Females, Health Behavior, Health Promotion, Interpersonal Competence, Life Style, Low Income Groups, Mentors, Self Esteem, Sexuality, Substance Abuse, Urban Areas
Urban Institute, 2100 M Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20037. Tel: 202-833-7200; Fax: 202-429-0687; e-mail: pubs@ui.urban.org. For full text: http://www.urban.org/pdfs/GNP-Study.pdf.
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Health Resources and Services Administration (DHHS/PHS), Washington, DC. Maternal and Child Health Bureau.
Authoring Institution: Urban Inst., Washington, DC.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A