Pregnant & Parenting Teens

One out of every three teen mothers drops out of high school.

By responding to the specific needs of pregnant and parenting youth, the Berks County Intermediate Unit’s Pregnant and Parenting Teen Program, Project ELECT (Education Leading to Employment and Career Training), and ELECT Fatherhood Initiative help young people to raise healthy children and become better parents.

These programs teach skills that lead to success in school and economic self-sufficiency. Teens receive assistance in obtaining their high school diplomas or GEDs. At the same time, they learn effective parenting skills and are encouraged to become responsible adults and informed parents.

BCIU’s programs combine to provide year-round services for pregnant and parenting teens in Berks County school districts.

Total Support for Students

What makes the Pregnant and Parenting Teen Program, Project ELECT, and ELECT Fatherhood Initiative successful is the total support students receive. Program staff visit with students in school and in their homes to assess individual needs. The primary goal for the individual student is to graduate from high school or earn a GED.

Ongoing group counseling sessions are a successful component of the programs. Students attend parenting classes and workshops on child development and nutrition. Collaboration with community organizations allows for workshops on such topics as domestic abuse, self-esteem, and job training, as well as, in-home support services.

School attendance is monitored, and incentives are awarded to eligible students for outstanding school attendance.