Strong Sisters United (S.S.U)is a project for pre-teens, ages 11 - 14, designed to develop a greater sense of self through education, career and emotional support. The program also assists in reducin

YMCA of Greater New York implemented Strong Sisters United (S.S.U.) as an effort to empower young women ages 11 through 14, through educational activities, career counseling and emotional support. Throughout the school year, the S.S.U. after-school program meets five days a week, keeping teens off the streets while focusing on: 1) positive identity and empowerment; 2) community building; 3) educational achievement; 4) mentoring; 5) positive health and nutrition; and 6) adolescent pregnancy prevention.

YMCA's goal is to decrease the risk of educational failure among disadvantaged, high-risk students by increasing their external and internal assets as defined by the Search Institute's 40 Developmental Assets upon which all YMCA youth programming is designed. Each participant will complete a pre and post developmental asset and wellness survey, indicating their sense of personal developmental assets and overall wellness. The grantee will report these and other such results to OJJDP in the Categorical Assistance Progress Reports.NCA/NCF