Wise Guys: Implementing a Boys-Only Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program in Davenport, Iowa.

The Administration for Children and Families funded Mathematica Policy Research to conduct a rigorous evaluation of the Wise Guys program in and near Davenport, Iowa, in collaboration with the Iowa Department of Public Health. This programming was delivered by a community-based organization in Davenport-area middle schools and funded through the state’s Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) grant. The Wise Guys curriculum aims to promote male responsibility and discourage early entry into fatherhood. By offering programming in male-only groups, Wise Guys aims to create an environment in which boys feel comfortable talking about masculinity, gender roles, and sexual health. The implementation evaluation found that the program was implemented successfully, though facilitators and participants noted the main challenge was limited time for the program. School officials and program participants indicated that facilitators succeeded in creating a safe, trusting environment for boys to discuss masculinity, gender roles, teen pregnancy prevention, and fatherhood. Program staff indicated that, in their view, having a male co-facilitator who could serve as a role model and share his own experiences was a crucial ingredient of this success. (Author abstract)