• Respectful
• Responsible
• Relate well to others
• Realistic and planful
• Retain balance in their lives

The R Factor was created in response to a successful middle school curriculum at Dads Make a Difference. The middle school curriculum builds awareness of the issues of paternity and father involvement. The high school curriculum immerses the student in case studies, discussion of complex social issues, and expert articles, challenging the student to plan for self-improvement and a healthy future.

The R Factor can be completed in eight to ten class periods and allows for flexibility and optional activities. Included are many experiential activities and teacher resources to assist in a smooth transition into the classroom. The R Factor is a research-based curriculum with over fifty references.

Through collaborative skill-building activities and group simulations, students have the opportunity to understand the factors that influence their decision-making. These include the power of risk and protective factors in their lives.

Give students a chance to learn an invaluable skill--teach them to build resiliency.

• Increase male involvement in relationships, mentoring, fathering, and parenting.
• Educate youth about the impact on children when growing up without an involved father.
• Provide opportunities for young men and women to practice effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Increase preparation and planning for responsible parenting and to advocate for the establishment of legal fatherhood.

• Studying the impact of attachment theory and life experience
• Assessing current relationships and interpersonal skills
• Reading research-based articles written for the program by local experts
• Analyzing case studies for predictors of risk and protective factors
• Creating an individual plan of action in order to build resiliency and personal skills

Trainings will be scheduled when there is enough interest. A minimum of 8 participants is necessary to hold a training. All training dates are 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and held at a site to be determined.