TPPI

The TPPI (Teen Pregnancy Prevention Initiative) Program also referred to as TRAIL (Taking Responsible Actions in Life) is an intensive multi-component program at Kannapolis Middle School aimed at increasing student’s knowledge, skills, and confidence regarding sexual health and decision making. TRAIL uses the Socio-ecological model that influences change at multiple levels: individual, relationship, institutional, and community. This approach is based on research suggesting interventions are more likely to be successful and sustainable if components target multiple levels. 

Individual Strategies

In-School Education: Making Proud Choices, an evidence-based approach to teen pregnancy, STD’s and HIV prevention, helping adolescent’s make proud, responsible choices regarding their sexual behavior. The curriculum acknowledges abstinence as the most effective way to eliminate these risks. Abstinence may not be the choice some youth make, so the curriculum encourages the practice of safe sex and condom use. Safe Dates, a dating violence prevention program, raises students’ awareness of what constitutes healthy and unhealthy dating relationships, and dating abuse cause and consequences. Students are equipped with the skills to develop healthy dating relationships, including positive communication and conflict resolution. Too Good for Violence is an evidence-based social emotional learning program that increases students healthy development and academic success by building these skills: conflict resolution, anger management, respect for self and others effective communication, responsible decision making, goal setting and pro-social peer bonding.

Positive Youth Development: Merit days are for students who achieved academic success, leadership skills, excellent participation and behavior. Field trips consist of college campus tours, team building retreats, and youth empowerment.

TRAIL Enrichment: A non competitive after-school fitness program where youth practice goal setting by training for a 5K event. TRAIL presents an opportunity to build confidence in a way that empowers teens to avoid risk-taking behaviors.

Relationship Strategies

Parent Workshops: These workshops inform parents on the curricula, service learning and positive youth development activities their child receives in TRAIL.  Parents are provided skills to positively communicate with their child about their sexual health. The workshops are held to improve parent involvement, student behavior and student engagement.

Parent/Student Newsletters: The newsletters inform parents on Making Proud Choices and service learning projects. Newsletters also include current information of sexual health topics and tips for parents when communicating with their child about sex.

Institutional Strategies

Social Norms Campaign: The social norms campaign focuses on teen issues and aims to educate on the difference of perceived and actual norms.  Peers are high influencers when it comes to teens and decision making. The campaign is utilized to promote positive behavior and environment among youth and their peers.

Community Strategies

Service Learning Projects: Service learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities. TRAIL classes create their own student led service learning project that impacts their school and community.

Summer Advantage Programs: Provide free opportunities to broaden students’ experience in the arts, recreation, service and educational programs. This component will provide a safe and engaging environment for youth during the summer months.  Summer Advantage programs are possible by the partnerships between Cabarrus Health Alliance and local schools, community colleges and non-profits.