The women’s studies program that students had to take prior to participating in the middle school girls’ leadership service-learning program was created in order to combat the problem of sexual harassment. After a few years of this, the culture of the school changed to become intolerant of such behaviors.  Students began policing each other; thus, the focus of women’s studies began to change in subsequent years. The women’s studies program became more service-learning oriented, and the students created their own projects based upon the needs of women within the school and the community. "Talk to Us” was created as a result of the students desire to “pass on” what they learned to younger women.  Throughout their women’s studies class, the high school students continually expressed the sentiment, “I wish I had learned this when I was younger.” Thus, they saw a real need in their community and proactively worked to meet that need!

The "Talk To Us" Program at Tinkham Alternative High School won the Innovative Program Award for 2009. Click HERE to read the letter recognizing the program.