Can a Culturally Informed After-School Curriculum Make a Difference in Teen Pregnancy Prevention? Preliminary Evidence in the Case of San Antonio's Escuelitas:

This article assesses whether a culturally informed, after-school program, known as Escuelitas (Spanish for little schools), effectively complements the social organization of the Mexican American homes and community in San Antonio, Texas, in dealing with issues like teen pregnancy, school drop out rates, and delinquency prevention. Parent, teacher, and participant attitudinal and perceptional data from academic years 2001-2002 and 2002-2003, as well as reading and math scores, are examined to assess the program's impact. Results are mixed. Although some findings do not show the desired results, other data demonstrate positive impacts in the lives of the girls and their caregivers. Escuelitas provides an interesting case for addressing teen pregnancy as a problem in the Latino community, particularly Mexican Americans.