Wyman Real Teens. Real Life. Real Results.
Teen Outreach Program
Wyman Teen Outreach Program is a national after-school program for teens whose effectiveness has been proven in over 20 years of operation. Wyman TOP is currently being administered in over 400 organizations and schools in the United States, Virgin Islands, and United Kingdom.
Based upon the principles of youth development, an approach that provides teens with the necessary supports and opportunities to prepare for successful adulthood and avoid problem behavior, Wyman TOP has proven effective in increasing academic success and preventing teen pregnancy and other negative behaviors among program participants.
Teens that complete Wyman Teen Outreach Program experience:
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Evidence based:
- 52% lower risk of school suspension
- 60% lower risk of course failure
- 53% lower risk of pregnancy
- 60% lower risk of school dropout
Observed:
Wyman TOP teens gather weekly throughout the school year for open discussions about relevant issues such as peer pressure and making good decisions for the future. Wyman TOP teens also participate in regular community service learning and neighborhood improvement projects.
Rigorous research and best practice reviews document that the Wyman Teen Outreach Program, when faithfully replicated, develops the positive potential of teens while increasing their ability to resist behaviors and activities that pose risks to their development and futures. Wyman TOP is currently listed on more than a dozen national best practice listings to which public and private funders now turn when considering investments.
Wyman is working to maximize the number of teens able to access the vital supports and opportunities that Wyman TOP offers, through TOPnet. TOPnet is the nationwide network of providers for the Wyman Teen Outreach Program. The network, bound together through an online community, is evaluated and maintained by Wyman to ensure the program is delivered with fidelity. When done so, Wyman TOP consistently produces positive results for teens in the prevention of teen pregnancy, course failure, school dropout and suspension. In the online community, providers will submit program data, collaborate and share with fellow Wyman TOP providers, and connect directly to Wyman around questions, comments or concerns.
For those donors or organizations who are interested in replicating a Wyman Teen Outreach Program club(s) and becoming a member of the TOPnet community, please contact Joe Miller, Senior VP Programs (joe.miller@wymancenter.org).
For additional questions, you may contact Claire Wyneken, Senior VP, Wyman Institute for Teen Development (claire.wyneken@wymancenter.org).
