Possessing Your Power
Developers
Original Developer: Creola Collins-Reese, B.A., M.A., PLPC
Model Developer and Purveyor: Lighthouse Outreach Incorporated
Program Summary
Possessing Your Power is a multi-component intervention program that focuses on character development and youth empowerment for adolescents. The program addresses nine risk behaviors, including drugs, alcohol, tobacco, premarital sex and teen pregnancy, violence/crime, pornography, gambling, school dropout, and technology/social media. The curriculum materials on sexual activity take an abstinence-centered approach.
Intended Population
The program is designed for youth ages 10-18. The program serves “at-risk” youth grades 6-12 with a specific focus on middle school youth and males. The program was evaluated with youth between the ages of 14 to 17.
Program Setting
The program is designed to be delivered in a variety of settings, in or out of school, including community and faith-based settings, and mentoring and service learning programs. Possessing Your Power was evaluated in after school and community-based settings.
Contact and Availability Information
Lighthouse Outreach
29 Joynes Road
Hampton, Virginia 73666
Office: 757-827-7787
https://lighthouse-outreach.org
29 Joynes Road
Hampton, Virginia 73666
Office: 757-827-7787
https://lighthouse-outreach.org
Sample of Curriculum Available for Review Prior to Purchase
Yes
Languages Available
English
Monitoring and Evaluation Tools
Monitoring and evaluation tools available
No
Monitoring and evaluation tool usage required
No
Program Components and Core Components
Last updated in 2024
The data presented on this page reflect responses from the program’s developer or distributor to a program component checklist that asked them to report on the individual components within their TPP program. The same program component checklist was sent to the developer or distributor of every active TPP program with evidence of effectiveness. The program component table provides information on seven types of program components including content, delivery mechanism, dosage, staffing, format, context, and intended population characteristics; whether the component was present or optional in the program; whether the component is considered to be core to the program; and the lesson number or activity where the component can be found in the program.
In the drop-down menu below, under “Has component,” there are four options that indicate a component as present in the program: (1) “Yes” indicates that the component is present in at least one version of the program (whether that be the program version that was evaluated, the current version, or both versions); (2) “Yes (both versions)” indicates that the component is present in both the evaluated version of the program and the current version of the program; (3) “Yes (current version)” indicates that the component is present in the current, but not the evaluated, version of the program; and (4) “Yes (evaluated version)” indicates that the component is present in the evaluated version of the program, only. Note that for dosage components, the dosage itself is described in the Notes when available.
Some of the components identified are noted as core components of the evidence-based program, but this does not necessarily mean that these components have been rigorously tested and show evidence of effectiveness. Most often developers denoted components as core based on theory or experience in the field. Click here for the list of evidence-based components.
For more details about program components, refer to the FAQ page.
| Category | Component | Core Component | Component present | Lesson number(s) / activities where present |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Content | Puberty/development | No | No | |
| Content | Other | No | No | |
| Content | Volunteering/civic engagement | Yes | Yes (both versions) | 9 - Leadership Development, pages 64-66 |
| Content | Spirituality | Yes | Yes (both versions) | Power Sessions and activities: #1 Purpose, pages 6-11; Self-esteem, pages 12-27; #3 - Conflict, Resolution, Diversity, Perception, Pages 28-36, 98-103; Power Session #5 - Communication (Effective), Pages 44-49; Power Session #6 - Media Influence (Media Mania), pages 51-52; #7 - Setting Boundaries & Taking Responsibilities, pages 54-57; #8 - Choices, Decisions, Consequences & Saying" NO", pages 59-63; Technology/social media (healthy vs. unhealthy), pages 89-90. |
| Content | Morals/values | Yes | Yes (both versions) | Power Sessions and activities: #1 Purpose, pages 6-11; Self-esteem, pages 12-27; #3 - Conflict, Resolution, Diversity, Perception, Pages 28-36, 98-103; Power Session #5 - Communication (Effective), Pages 44-49; Power Session #6 - Media Influence (Media Mania), pages 51-52; #7 - Setting Boundaries & Taking Responsibilities, pages 54-57; #8 - Choices, Decisions, Consequences & Saying" NO", pages 59-63; Technology/social media (healthy vs. unhealthy), pages 89-90. |
| Content | Identity development | Yes | Yes (both versions) | Power Sessions and activities: #1 Purpose, pages 6-11; Self-esteem, pages 12-27; #3 - Conflict, Resolution, Diversity, Perception, Pages 28-36, 98-103; Power Session #5 - Communication (Effective), Pages 44-49; Power Session #6 - Media Influence (Media Mania), pages 51-52; #7 - Setting Boundaries & Taking Responsibilities, pages 54-57; #8 - Choices, Decisions, Consequences & Saying" NO", pages 59-63; Technology/social media (healthy vs. unhealthy), pages 89-90. |
| Content | Social support/capital | Yes | Yes (both versions) | All Power Sessions and activities. |
| Content | Social influence/actual vs. perceived social norms | Yes | Yes (both versions) | All Power Sessions and activities. |
| Content | Social competence | Yes | Yes (both versions) | All Power Sessions and activities. |
| Content | Parenting skills | Yes | Yes (both versions) | Utilizes evidence-based "Parent Matters" program |
| Content | Normative beliefs | Yes | Yes (both versions) | All Power Sessions and activities. |
| Content | Leadership | Yes | Yes (both versions) | Power session #9 Youth Leadership Development pages 64-65 |
| Content | Sex roles | Yes | Yes (both versions) | All Power Sessions and activities. |
| Content | Yes | Yes (both versions) | All Power Sessions and activities. | |
| Content | Cultural values | Yes | Yes (both versions) | All Power Sessions and activities. |
| Content | Connections with trusted adults | Yes | Yes (both versions) | All Power Sessions and activities. |
| Content | Conflict resolution/social problem solving | Yes | Yes (both versions) | #3 - Conflict Resolution, pages 28-36, 98-103; #5 - Communication (Effective), pages 44-49; #7 - Setting Boundaries & Taking |
| Content | Communication skills | Yes | Yes (both versions) | #3 - Conflict Resolution, pages 28-36, 98-103; #5 - Communication (Effective), pages 44-49; #7 - Setting Boundaries & Taking |
| Content | Child development | No | No | |
| Content | Boundary setting/refusal skills | Yes | Yes (both versions) | #3 - Conflict Resolution, pages 28-36, 98-103; #5 - Communication (Effective), pages 44-49; #7 - Setting Boundaries & Taking Responsibilities, pages 54-57; Power Session #8 - Choices, Decisions, Consequences and Saying NO, Pages 59-63; |
| Content | Substance use cessation | Yes | Yes (both versions) | Risky Behaviors - "ENEMIES" Of Your Full Potential ENEMY #1 - Drugs, pages 70; #2 - Alcohol, page 71; #3 - Sex Before Marriage pages 72-73, STD'S, pages 74-75, Teen Pregnancy, page 76, Sex Quiz, page 77, Love vs. Infatuation, page 78, Dating Relationships, page 79, Committed Relationships, page 80, Abstinence pages 81-82; #4 - Tobacco (Smoking), page 83; #5 - Violence & Crime, page 84; #6 - Pornography, page 85; #7 - Gambling, pages 86,87, 107; #8 - Dropout/Low Academic Achievement, page 88, Technology/social media (healthy vs. unhealthy), pages 89-90. |
| Content | Substance use - Other drugs | Yes | Yes (both versions) | Risky Behaviors - "ENEMIES" Of Your Full Potential ENEMY #1 - Drugs, pages 70; #2 - Alcohol, page 71; #3 - Sex Before Marriage pages 72-73, STD'S, pages 74-75, Teen Pregnancy, page 76, Love vs. Infatuation, page 78, Dating Relationships, page 79, Committed Relationships, page 80, Abstinence pages 81-82; #4 - Tobacco (Smoking), page 83; #5 - Violence & Crime, page 84; #6 - Pornography, page 85; #7 - Gambling, pages 86,87, 107; #8 - Dropout/Low Academic Achievement, page 88, Technology/social media (healthy vs. unhealthy), pages 89-90. |
| Content | Substance use - Alcohol | Yes | Yes (both versions) | Risky Behaviors - "ENEMIES" Of Your Full Potential ENEMY #1 - Drugs, pages 70; #2 - Alcohol, page 71; #3 - Sex Before Marriage pages 72-73, STD'S, pages 74-75, Teen Pregnancy, page 76, , Abstinence pages 81-82; #4 - Tobacco (Smoking), page 83; #5 - Violence & Crime, page 84; #6 - Pornography, page 85; #7 - Gambling, pages 86,87, 107; #8 - Dropout/Low Academic Achievement, page 88, Technology/social media (healthy vs. unhealthy), pages 89-90. |
| Content | Substance use - Abstinence | Yes | Yes (both versions) | Risky Behaviors - "ENEMIES" Of Your Full Potential ENEMY #1 - Drugs, pages 70; #2 - Alcohol, page 71; #3 - Sex Before Marriage pages 72-73, STD'S, pages 74-75, Teen Pregnancy, page 76, Sex Quiz, page 77, Love vs. Infatuation, page 78, Dating Relationships, page 79, Committed Relationships, page 80, Abstinence pages 81-82; #4 - Tobacco (Smoking), page 83; #5 - Violence & Crime, page 84; #6 - Pornography, page 85; #7 - Gambling, pages 86,87, 107; #8 - Dropout/Low Academic Achievement, page 88, Technology/social media (healthy vs. unhealthy), pages 89-90. |
| Content | Brain development and substance use | Yes | Yes (both versions) | Risky Behaviors - "ENEMIES" Of Your Full Potential ENEMY #1 - Drugs, pages 70; #2 - Alcohol, page 71; #4 - Tobacco (Smoking), page 83; #5 - Violence & Crime, page 84; #6 - Pornography, page 85; #7 - Gambling, pages 86,87, 107; #8 - Dropout/Low Academic Achievement, page 88, Technology/social media (healthy vs. unhealthy), pages 89-90. |
| Content | Vocational/skills training | No | No | |
| Content | Graduating from high school | Yes | Yes (both versions) | All Power Sessions and activities. |
| Content | College preparation | Yes (both versions) | All Power Sessions and activities. | |
| Content | Alternative schooling | Yes | Yes (both versions) | All Power Sessions and activities. |
| Content | Self-regulation | Yes | Yes (both versions) | All Power Sessions and activities: #1 Purpose, pages 6-11; Self-esteem, pages 12-27; #3 - Conflict Resolution Power, Pages 28-36, 98-103; Power Session #5 - Communication (Effective), Pages 44-49; Power Session #6 - Media Influence (Media Mania), pages 51-52; #7 - Setting Boundaries and Taking Responsibilities, pages 54-57; #8 - Choices, Decisions, Consequences and Saying" NO", pages 59-63; RISKY BEHAVIORS - "ENEMIES" Of Your Full Potential ENEMY #1 - Drugs, pages 70; #2 - Alcohol, page 71; #3 - Sex Before Marriage pages 72-73, STD'S, Pages 74-75, Teen Pregnancy, page 76, Sex Quiz, page 77, Love vs. Infatuation, page 78, Dating Relationships, page 79, Committed Relationships, page 80, Abstinence pages 81-82; #4 - Tobacco (Smoking), page 83; #5 - Violence & Crime, page 84; #6 - Pornography, page 85; #7 - Gambling, pages 86,87, 107; #8 - Dropout/Low Academic Achievement, page 88, Technology/social media (healthy vs. unhealthy), pages 89-90. |
| Content | Self-esteem | Yes | Yes (both versions) | All Power Sessions and activities. |
| Content | Self-efficacy/empowerment | Yes | Yes (both versions) | All Power Sessions and activities. |
| Content | Resilience | Yes | Yes (both versions) | All Power Sessions and activities. |
| Content | Personal vulnerability | Yes | Yes (both versions) | All Power sessions and activities |
| Content | Motivational interviewing | Yes | Yes (both versions) | All Power sessions and activities |
| Content | Sexual health | Yes | Yes (both versions) | Power Sessions and activities: #1 Purpose, pages 6-11; Self-Esteem, pages 12-27; #3 - Conflict Resolution Power, Pages 28-36, 98-103; Power Session #5 - Communication (Effective), Pages 44-49; Power Session #6 - Media Influence (Media Mania), pages 51-52; #7 - Setting Boundaries and Taking Responsibilities, pages 54-57; #8 - Choices, Decisions, Consequences and Saying" NO", pages 59-63; RISKY BEHAVIORS - "ENEMIES" Of Your Full Potential ENEMY #1 - Drugs, pages 70; #2 - Alcohol, page 71; #3 - Sex Before Marriage, pages 72-73, STD'S, Pages 74-75, Teen Pregnancy, page 76, Sex Quiz, page 77, Love vs. Infatuation, page 78, Dating Relationships, page 79, Committed Relationships, page 80, Abstinence pages 81-82; #4 - Tobacco (Smoking), page 83; #5 - Violence and Crime, page 84; #6 - Pornography, page 85; #7 - Gambling, pages 86,87, 107; #8 - Dropout/Low Academic Achievement, page 88, Technology/social media (healthy vs. unhealthy), pages 89-90 |
| Content | STIs - Prevention | Yes | Yes (both versions) | ENEMY #3 - Sex Before Marriage Pages 72-73, STD'S, Pages 74-75, Teen Pregnancy, Page 76, Sex Quiz, Page 77, Love vs. Infatuation , Page 78, Dating Relationships, Page 79, Committed Relationships, Page 80, Abstinence Pages 81-82 |
| Content | STIs - Information | Yes | Yes (both versions) | ENEMY #3 - Sex Before Marriage Pages 72-73, STD'S, Pages 74-75, Teen Pregnancy, Page 76, Sex Quiz, Page 77, Love vs. Infatuation , Page 78, Dating Relationships, Page 79, Committed Relationships, Page 80, Abstinence Pages 81-82 |
| Content | Sexual risk reduction | Yes | Yes (both versions) | All Power Sessions and activities. |
| Content | STIs - Vaccination | Yes | Yes (both versions) | ENEMY #3 - Sex Before Marriage Pages 72-73, STD'S, Pages 74-75, Teen Pregnancy, Page 76, Sex Quiz, Page 77, Love vs. Infatuation , Page 78, Dating Relationships, Page 79, Committed Relationships, Page 80, Abstinence Pages 81-82 |
| Content | Sexual risk discontinuation | Yes | Yes (both versions) | All Power Sessions and activities. |
| Content | Sexual risk avoidance | Yes | Yes (both versions) | All Power Sessions and activities: #1 Purpose, pages 6-11; Self-esteem, pages 12-27; #3 - Conflict Resolution Power, Pages 28-36, 98-103; Power Session #5 - Communication (Effective), Pages 44-49; Power Session #6 - Media Influence (Media Mania), pages 51-52; #7 - Setting Boundaries and Taking Responsibilities, pages 54-57; #8 - Choices, Decisions, Consequences and Saying" NO", pages 59-63; RISKY BEHAVIORS - "ENEMIES" Of Your Full Potential ENEMY #1 - Drugs, pages 70; #2 - Alcohol, page 71; #3 - Sex Before Marriage pages 72-73, STD'S, Pages 74-75, Teen Pregnancy, page 76, Sex Quiz, page 77, Love vs. Infatuation, page 78, Dating Relationships, page 79, Committed Relationships, page 80, Abstinence pages 81-82; #4 - Tobacco (Smoking), page 83; #5 - Violence and Crime, page 84; #6 - Pornography, page 85; #7 - Gambling, pages 86,87, 107; #8 - Dropout/Low Academic Achievement, page 88, Technology/social media (healthy vs. unhealthy), pages 89-90 |
| Content | Supplemental academic services | Yes | Yes (both versions) | Leadership Youth Development, pages 64-66; 8 - Dropout/Low Academic Achievement, page 88, Technology/social media (healthy vs. unhealthy), pages 89-90. |
| Content | School engagement | Yes | Yes (both versions) | Leadership Youth Development, pages 64-66 |
| Content | Sexual orientation | Yes | Yes (both versions) | ENEMY #3 - Sex Before Marriage, pages 72-73, STD'S, Pages 74-75, Teen Pregnancy, Page 76, Sex Quiz, page 77, Love vs. Infatuation , page 78, Dating Relationships, page 79, Committed Relationships, Page 80, Abstinence, pages 81-82; |
| Content | Contraception - Other | No | No | |
| Content | Reproduction | No | No | |
| Content | Anatomy/physiology | No | No | |
| Content | Contraception - Condoms | No | No | |
| Content | Contraception - Long-acting reversible contraceptives | No | No |
Program Objectives
Possessing Your Power seeks to prevent and/or reduce sexual risk behavior by providing an open space for youth to discuss sensitive sexual health topics. The curriculum targets seven risky behaviors including drugs and alcohol use, sex before marriage, tobacco, violence and crime, pornography, and gambling. Possessing Your Power aims to develop positive attributes (such as self-esteem, diversity, tolerance) and skills (active listening, conflict resolution, positive decision-making and avoiding negative behaviors among participating youth.
Program Content
The program consists of nine topics organized into six sessions: The Power of Purpose, Self-Esteem, Conflict Resolution, Bullying, Communication, Media Influence, Setting Boundaries & Taking Responsibilities, Choices Decisions Consequences & The Power of No, and Leadership Development.
The six sessions are organized as below:
- Topic: Illegal drugs. Creating a sense of purpose, creating an identity, creating a sense of belonging.
- Topic: Alcohol, sex before marriage. Self-esteem focus, particularly as related to risky behaviors and suicide.
- Topic: Tobacco. Conflict resolution and bulleting, how to handle anger, recognize diversity
- Topic: Violence and crime. Effective interpersonal communication, media influence
- Topic: Pornography. Choices, including setting boundaries, taking responsibility, consequences, and how to say no.
- Topic: Gambling. Leadership, abstinence pledge, graduation ceremony.
Program Methods
Possessing Your Power uses video, demonstration, role plays, and group activities to deliver the program curriculum.
Program Structure and Timeline
Possessing Your Power consists of nine topics delivered in six two-hour sessions. The program can be adapted to be delivered between 2 and 6 weeks. When the program was evaluated, it was delivered in two or three 2-hour sessions per week occurring over two or three weeks for a total of six sessions. In some cases it was delivered in three two-hour sessions over two weeks. See the PYP website (www.possessingyourpower.org/aboutpyp) for additional information.
Staffing
The program is designed to be delivered as group sessions by a certified facilitator at a community-based organization. The required or suggested staffing for the program is as follows:
- 1 Certified Facilitator is required for up to 20 youth. The program required an additional facilitator to be trained for any groups of more than 20.
- Facilitators are required to complete the PYP Certification training and the YD2D! protocol certification.
- Facilitators must be trained adults who have proven success with youth and family engagement. They must be respectful, knowledgeable and logistics of each group i.e. attendance, documentation, preparation of materials and classroom protocol.
- Facilitators must have training and knowledge of positive youth development approaches.
Staff Training
The developer requires a 4-day pre-implementation training, conducted by the Possessing Your Power Trainers. The training cost to become a partner is $8,500.00. This includes space for the facilitator program coordinator to attend an in-person training (travel and other cost are not included), up to 5 sets of curriculum and start-up technical assistance. Additional staff can be added for $750.00 per facilitator. After the start-up year, partners can pay a fee of $3,500.00 annually for ongoing replication.
Training topics consist of: 1) Overview of the PYP Curriculum; 2) HIV, STIs, and teen pregnancy; 3) Life skills, including decision making, communication, and refusal skills; 4) Self Esteem; 5) Healthy relationships; 6) Yes Dare 2 Dream Protocols.
The training utilizes lesson demonstration and modeling, interactive lesson practice and instant feedback. Trainers also cover strategies for dealing with sensitive issues and handling classroom controversy, guidelines for adapting curriculum to ease implementation, strategies for addressing implementation challenges, and action planning for effective implementation.
Program Materials and Resources
Yes Dare To Dream provides the following tools and resources for delivery of the PYP Curriculum:
- PYP curriculum workbooks for students
- Facilitators Training Manual
- Video design scenarios
- Data Collection Site
- Data Collection Tools
Additional Needs for Implementation
Materials/space needed are a DVD player and PYP student manuals. A comfortable space with tables and chairs is suggested for the successful implementation of the program.
Technical Assistance and Ongoing Support
Trained facilitators have access to an online Booster power point presentation that reviews the core components of PYP and offers best practice tips and support.
Allowable Adaptations
LOI works with partner sites on adaptations of the program. All adaptations must receive prior approval. Contact Lighthouse Outreach Incorporated or details on the adaptation request and guidelines process.
Adaptation Guidelines or Kit
Yes
Reviewed Studies
| Citation | High-Quality Randomized Trial | Moderate-Quality Randomized Trial | Moderate-Quality Quasi-Experiment | Low Study Rating | Did Not Meet Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JK Tanner Inc. 2016 |
Study Characteristics
| Citation | Setting | Majority Age Group | Majority Racial/Ethnic Group | Gender | Sample Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
JK Tanner Inc. 2016 |
After school | 14 to 17 | African American or Black | Male and female youth | 1989 |
Study Findings
Evidence by Outcome Domain and Study
| Citation | Sexual Activity | Number of Sexual Partners | Contraceptive Use | STIs or HIV | Pregnancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
JK Tanner Inc. 2016 |
n.a. | n.a. |
|
n.a. | n.a. |
Detailed Findings
| Citation | Details |
|---|---|
JK Tanner Inc. 2016 |
The program was evaluated in a cluster randomized controlled trial involving 1,989 adolescents ages 13 to 17 recruited from 48 community-based organization summer programs (clubs) in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Each club was randomly assigned to one of three research conditions: a treatment group receiving the Possessing Your Power intervention, a treatment group receiving the Choosing the Best intervention, or a control group receiving a program on career exploration and college preparation. The study collected data with surveys administered before the start of the intervention (baseline), and again 6 and 12 months after the end of the intervention.In this study, researchers examined program impacts on a measure described as "risky sexual behavior". That measure is a binary variable that takes the value of 1 if the adolescent had unprotected sex, meaning the adolescent did not use a condom or birth control every time for recent sexual activity (in the past three months), and takes the value of 0 if the adolescent used a condom or birth control every time for recent sexual activity or if the adolescent avoided sexual activity in the previous three months.Six months after the program ended, researchers found that adolescents participating in the intervention who were sexually inexperienced at baseline were less likely to report that they did not use a condom or birth control every time for sexual activity in the past three months than their counterparts in the control group (odds ratio = 0.31, confidence interval = 0.19 to 0.52). The study found no evidence of statistically significant program impacts on that outcome |
Language directly from the program model developer or authors.