Amanda Cooley

In Cooley's "Growing Independent, Responsible Leaders Successfully (GIRLS)" project, adults in the community reach out to girls with low self-esteem and self-confidence to help build their character and teach them to make responsible decisions. Through its message of abstinence, the program helps reduce the rate of teen pregnancy by teaching girls to stand up to peer pressure. During the program, students participate in an open forum where they discuss current teen issues and identify solutions to common teen problems. Through this program, girls have a chance to improve their grades, strengthen leadership qualities and gain self-respect.