ICAA offers an array of evidence based programs for young people between the ages of 4-18. ICAA believes that evidence based models have a proven track record of assisting children and adolescents to become productive citizens once they reach adulthood. Below is a list of programs that ICAA currently offers.
CATCH (Preschool – grade 8)
CATCH (Coordinated Approach To Child Health) is an evidence-based, coordinated school health program designed to promote physical activity and healthy food choices, and prevent tobacco use in children from preschool through grade 8. The program is currently being implemented in over 7,500 schools and after-school programs across the United States and Canada. By teaching children that eating healthy and being physically active every day can be FUN, the CATCH Program has proven that establishing healthy habits in childhood can promote behavior changes that can last a lifetime. CATCH builds an alliance of children, parents, teachers, and school staff to teach skills and behaviors associated with maintaining healthy lifestyles. CATCH coordinates four component areas, including classroom curricula, food service modifications, physical education changes, and family enforcement, targeting both children's behaviors and the schools environment.
GIRLS ON THE RUN (grade 3 – grade 8)
Girls on the Run® is a life-changing, experiential learning programs for girl’s age eight to thirteen years old. The programs combine training for a 3.1 mile running event with self-esteem enhancing, uplifting workouts. The goals of the programs are to encourage positive emotional, social, mental, spiritual and physical development. Girls on the Run® combines an interactive curriculum and running to inspire self-respect and healthy lifestyles in pre-teen girls. Its core curriculum addresses many aspects of girls’ development, their physical, emotional, mental and social well-being. Lessons provide girls with the tools to make positive decisions and to avoid risky adolescent behaviors.
Becoming a Responsible Teen: An HIV Risk Reduction Program for Adolescents (grade 9- grade 12)
(BART) is an HIV prevention curriculum designed primarily for African-American adolescents, ages 14-18, in non-school, community-based settings. It consists of eight sessions, 1.5 to 2 hours each, and includes interactive group discussions and role plays that have been created by teens. Teens learn to "spread the word" to their friends about HIV risks. They are encouraged to practice skills outside the group and share the results. The group provides creative solutions to reported problems.Although the focus of BART is HIV/AIDS prevention, the curriculum includes topics and activities relevant to teen pregnancy prevention. Teens learn to clarify their own values about sexual decisions and pressures as well as practice skills to reduce sexual risk-taking. These include correct condom use, assertive communication, refusal techniques, self-management, and problem solving. Also, abstinence is woven throughout the curriculum and is discussed as the best way to prevent HIV infection and pregnancy. BART has been used in a variety of settings with youth from different cultures.
INSPIRE
INSPIRE is a mentorship program for girls grades K-12. The program gives young girls an opportunity to discuss challenges within the community, school and at home. Mentees are partnered with adult mentors who help mentees to identify and achieve academic and social goals. The purpose of this program is to empower each young lady with the skill set to overcome any physical, intellectual or emotional obstacles so that they can live their purpose-driven life.
