The positive youth development approach is grounded in the
belief that all students have the capacity to succeed, but in order
for students to recognize and attain their potential, they need
safety, structure, supportive relationships, opportunities to
belong, skill building, and self-efficacy. A core premise of youth
development programming is that young people gain more from
an experience when they are actively involved [8]. Opportunities
are continually provided for participants to develop and practice
new skills as they learn to work together as a cohesive group. The
skills taught in Teen PEP are not only essential for successfully
navigating adolescence but are skills that will become lifetime
assets. Participants articulate and clarify their values, learn how
to make informed decisions, and learn how to set and achievegoals in a supportive environment. The curriculum is delivered
through a peer education approach; thus the youth development
approach is integrated into the program model as a core program
element.