Making A Difference:

Making a Difference is an eight-module curriculum that provides young adolescents with the knowledge, confidence and skills necessary to reduce their risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), HIV, and pregnancy by abstaining from sex. It is based on cognitive behavioral theories, focus groups and the researchers’ extensive experience to provide middle school students with the knowledge and perception of personal vulnerability as well as positive attitudes and beliefs regarding abstinence, abstinence negotiation skills and confidence in their ability to abstain.

This curriculum is designed to be used with small groups ranging from six to 12 participants, but it can be implemented with larger numbers of youth in various community settings, including schools or youth-serving agencies.

At the completion of the Making A Difference! curriculum, youth will have:
• increased knowledge about prevention of HIV, STDs and pregnancy;
• more positive attitudes/beliefs about abstinence;
• increased confidence in their ability to negotiate abstinence;
• increased negotiation skills;
• stronger intentions to abstain from sex;
• a lower incidence of STD/HIV risk-associated sexual behavior; and
• a stronger sense of pride and responsibility in making a difference.

Trainer: Joellen Tarallo-Falk