Teen H.Y.P.E. is a proud recipient of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) teen pregnancy prevention grant. With this funding, HYPE is partnering with Children's Aid Society (CAS) to offer the Carrera Project to Detroit youth. Apply for Youth At Promise Application
ABOUT CARRERA
In 1984, Dr. Michael A. Carrera and The Children's Aid Society (CAS) developed an Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Program that uses a long term, holistic approach to empower youth, to help them develop personal goals and the desire for a productive future, in addition to developing their sexual literacy and educating them about the consequences of sexual activity.
CAS-Carrera works with boys and girls 11-12 years old and follows them through high school and beyond. Guided by a philosophy that sees youth as "at promise" instead of "at risk," CAS-Carrera works to develop a participant's capacity and desire to avoid pregnancy. The program model also provides opportunities for young people to discover interests and develop talents, as well as emphasizing education and employment. CAS-Carrera sees the sum of these activities as having a contraceptive effect.
The model includes seven fundamental components:
- Education: Daily and Saturday homework help, remediation, and enrichment with trained teachers and tutors driven by Individual Academic Plans (IAP) for each participant;
- Employment: Weekly exposure to the "world of work," including earning stipends, opening bank accounts, exploring career choices, and participating in entrepreneurial projects;
- Family Life and Sexuality Education (FLSE): Weekly comprehensive, scientifically accurate sexuality education sessions taught in an age-appropriate fashion by a trained professional;
- Self-Expression: Weekly music, dance, writing and drama workshops led by theater and art professionals, where children can discover talents and build self-esteem;
- Lifetime Individual Sports: A fitness program emphasizing sports that build self-discipline and can be played throughout life, including golf, squash, swimming, and others;
- Full Medical and Dental Care: Comprehensive, no cost medical and dental services provided in partnership with local providers;
- Mental Health Services: Weekly discussion groups led by certified social workers; individual counseling, case management, and crisis intervention as needed.
- CAS-Carrera also includes a Parent Family Life & Sexuality Education program that facilitates a parent's/adult's ability to communicate more effectively with their children about important family life and sexuality issues.
