The Teen Outreach Program® (TOP®) is a national youth development program that's offered in schools and after-school settings. This evidence-based program includes leadership development classes, peer educational groups, community service learning, and family involvement to help youth develope life skills, healthy behaviors, academic achievement and a sense of purpose.  In 1990, the Junior League of Roanoke Valley started TOP® in Roanoke; in 2012, FSRV became one of only 40 national replication sites for the Wyman Center's Teen Outreach Program®.  TOP® also incorporates evidence-based education about substance use prevention. TOP® has documented results in decreasing teen pregnancy, improving school commitment and graduation rates.  Improvement measures include: a decrease in school absences, an increase in GPA, and improved attitudes and behaviors regarding substance use and teen pregnancy prevention.

TOP® School-Based and After-School Programs:

• High Schools:
  • Forest Park Academy, Roanoke City
  • Noel C. Taylor, Roanoke City
  • ROTEC/PH High School students, Roanoke City
  • William Fleming High School, Roanoke, City
  • William Byrd High School, Roanoke County
• After School Programs and 21st Century Community Learning Centers at Roanoke City Schools
• • Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest VA
  • Community Youth Program (CYP) at St. John's Episcopal Church
  • Fairview Elementary
  • Garden City Elementary
  • Hurt Park Elementary
  • James Breckinridge Middle
  • James Madison Middle
  • Lincoln Terrace Elementary
  • Lucy Addison Middle
  • Presbyterian Community Center
  • Stonewall Jackson Middle
  • West End Center
  • Woodrow Wilson Middle
  • YMCA Magic Place at Morningside Elementary
  • YMCA Magic Place at Virginia Heights Elementary

Examples of Life Skills Topics

• Self-Esteem/Concept
• Effective Communication
• Goal Setting and Values
• Decision-Making
• Conflict Resolution
• Diversity Appreciation
• Healthy Relationships
• Health Education
• Anti-Violence/Anti-Bullying
• Substance Use Prevention

Examples of Outcome Objectives

• Reduction in school truancy
• An increase in knowledge about the consequences of sexual behavior
• A decrease in teen pregnancy
• Improvements in school achievement
• Improvements in refusal skills regarding substance use
• Improvements in self-esteem
• Improvements in anger management skills
• Increase in civic commitment

Community Service Learning
Our TOP programs utilize the PARC model of:

• Preparing students for meaningful service-learning (Speakers/Sensitivity Training)
• Actively doing service (On/off-site volunteering in groups)
• Reflecting on the service (discussions/journals)
• Celebrating Service (Family Nights/Banquet—Youth Recognition)

Examples of Service Projects 

• Child care and development
• Elderly outreach
• Animal activists
• Refugee and immigration outreach
• Special needs outreach
• Hunger and homelessness outreach
• Environmental enthusiasts
• Diversity appreciation/multi-cultural awareness 

Special Events 
9/11 Day of Service; Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day; Global Youth Service Day; End-of-Year Banquet and Ring Ceremony.
We invite students and their families to attend dinners and special events.  Our banquet is a celebration of the contributions our students have made to the community through service learning.  School and community partners are also recognized. 

Qualifying high school TOP® students are presented class rings by city and county officials during a special ceremony.  The Junior League of Roanoke Valley funds the rings annually.

For more information please contact: 
Sarah Jane Lawrence
Teen Outreach Program® Manager
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(540) 563-5316 ext. 3010.