"We Believe We Can Soar"
FUPTP in Congress Elementary School

Last fall, Families United to Prevent Teen Pregnancy (FUPTP) expanded its focus and the program was implemented in Congress Elementary School, which is the first twelve-month program in Milwaukee Public Schools. FUPTP is held every day after school and during school breaks. Each week, seven and one half hours are spent implementing the program. Five hours are spent on the curriculum and the remaining time is spent on homework, field trips and other activities. The children who participate are in third through fifth grades, and over 50 students are enrolled.

There are four objectives of FUPTP at Congress. The first is to reach children at an early age and give them the tools to make informed decisions, which include raising self-esteem and goal setting. The second objective is to have the participants understand the effects teen pregnancy can have on one's life. These two objectives are being met. When the participants were asked why they choose to practice abstinence many replied that they "do not want to have any obstacles that they can prevent, they don't want to break their FUPTP pledge and they don't want to get STD's." In addition, they are able to put what they learn to use. Jackie and Christopher are the two FUPTP staff members who implement the program at Congress. Chris explained, "the field trips, for example, allow the students to practice what they have learned in a topic such as social skills."

The third objective is to increase the role of family members in promoting abstinence and to be active in further developing decision making skills and raising self-esteem. The final objective is to create informal networks within the student's community, which will help to strengthen families and improve their capacity to deal with issues of adolescent sexuality and pregnancy. Both of these objectives are being met as well. Parents are involved in parent meetings that are held during the year, and families are being connected with neighborhood-based services and other organizations that will aid in giving them support.

The objectives of FUPTP lead to many positive changes in the students. Teachers of the mentees see the benefits of the program. Some comments have been, "The students have a greater degree of self-confidence and assuredness, and these strengths are brought back to the classroom. They are also more able to deal with difficult situations." The teachers and the principal, Mary Beth Minkley, give much of the credit to the FUPTP staff. Chris stated that forming positive relationships with the staff and students in FUPTP were their top priority. "We needed to fit into the school's structure without stepping on any toes and establish a good working relationship with the teachers. In addition, we had to connect with the students, establish a comfortable environment, and create a life-options awareness. We have accomplished all of this."

If a federal grant proposal is accepted, we hope to replicate the Congress program at three more MPS schools.