The goal of the ASPIRA Youth Development Curriculum is to build resiliency skills, positive identity and self-esteem through a comprehensive positive youth development program. This facilitated curriculum was designed to reduce risky behaviors among middle and high school youth and to prevent them from engaging in risky behaviors in the future. The overall aim is that students will use ASPIRA’s principles as a guide for their future actions and development. Participants will develop knowledge of self and others in order to prepare for effective leadership through the exposure to a series of activities that promote healthy self esteem, identity, cultural awareness, positive academic skills, and organizational skills, among others.
The facilitated version of the curriculum is arranged into eleven units. All units have modules followed by activities. Each module is intended to represent a workshop. Note that each unit contains a course description, followed by goals, and resources needed. To facilitate staff training or programs presentations we have prepared a Facilitators Manual and the YDP Power Point Presentation.