Setting
The study took place in 9 public middle schools in the Sweetwater Union school district of Chula Vista, California.
Study sample
The average age in both groups was 14 years old. The study reports demographics for the combined Cohort 1 & 2 baseline sample, which is not the same as the analytic sample because of attrition. For intervention students: 45% were male; 9% African-American, 15% White, 53% Latino, and 24% Other; 15% were in households that received public assistance; 19% were in households that speak a language other than English at home. For comparison students: 34% were male; 9% African-American, 15% White, 47% Latino, and 29% Other; 14% were in households that received public assistance; 20% were in households that speak a language other than English at home.
Intervention Group
Students participated in the Sweetwater/Chula Vista Twelve Together program, which offered weekly meetings facilitated by adult volunteers, counseling, attendance monitoring, and an annual weekend retreat. The target population for the intervention was seventh graders with high absenteeism, low grades, or disciplinary problems. The program focused on building self-esteem, academic skills, or leadership skills. During the first follow-up year, 70% of the intervention group received counseling, 32% of the intervention group attended special classes in mathematics, English, or other subjects, and 23% of the intervention group was referred to a social service agency for counseling, health needs, or financial assistance. Students were offered admittance to the Sweetwater Twelve Together program as part of the intervention group, but may have enrolled elsewhere.
Comparison Group
Students participated in regular classes and activities. The comparison condition was described as attending the regular middle school without the leadership program once a week or the comparison students could attend other programs available in the local area. 64% of the comparison group received counseling, 41% of the comparison group attended special classes in English, math, or other subjects. About one-fifth of the comparison group was referred to a social service agency for counseling, health needs, or financial assistance. Students were not offered admittance to the Sweetwater Twelve Together program, but they could enroll in other local programs and schools.
Support for implementation
Not reported.