Since 1988

SW PA Teen Outreach

Empowering teens 13–18 in southwestern Pennsylvania through teen-led programs, mentorship, and community engagement.

Our Mission

One Kid at a Time^™

Our mission at SW PA Teen Outreach is to empower and support the youth in our community to become leaders and make a positive impact on the world around them.

All Teen Outreach programs are teen led and teen driven. Teens are not only our focus, but they are also the force behind all we do. We host an Adolescent Advisory Board (since 1999), a Teen Executive Board at our Common Ground Teen Center (since 2008) and a Teen Mental Health Advisory Board.

In 2025, we created an Interact Club, which is part of Rotary International, to focus upon community service.

Interact Club — Rotary International

SW PA Teen Outreach teens at a conference

Our Programs

We offer a wide range of programs to meet the needs and interests of young people in our community.

Pregnant & Parenting Teen Program (ELECT)

Begun in the 1970s, this one-on-one educational mentoring program empowers young parents to graduate high school and parent well. Our graduation rate is 84–100% — significantly higher than the national average of 30–40% among teen parents.

Real Talk for Real Teens

This in-school sexual health program has reached over 300,000 teens in 48 schools across 5 counties since 1988. The Washington County teen pregnancy rate (ages 15–17) dropped from 39/1000 to 12/1000 between 1989 and 2013.

Peer Education

Starting in 1995, this program trained over 20,000 teens to teach younger teens. Our current curriculum is Respect Online — education on developing and maintaining a healthy social media presence.

Real Talk Performers

Begun in 1996, this Educational Drama troupe has won 2 coveted state-wide youth drama awards. Teens create and produce skits and plays relevant to their culture and needs.

Adolescent Advisory Board

Created in 1999, this board of young people from Washington County schools provides a youth voice for education and honors teen culture. Teens from 10 school districts meet monthly, culminating with a Youth Conference at Washington & Jefferson College each April.

ECHO (Educate Children for Healthy Outcomes)

Since 1999, this one-on-one educational mentoring program empowers teens' self-worth. In its first decade, we served 721 at-risk teens. A 2015–2020 longitudinal study found our ECHO group had a 90% graduation rate vs. 70% for the control group. We have expanded to serve all youth in need.

The Common Ground Teen Center

Opened in 2008, this teen-run and teen-driven safe space is open Monday–Friday from 4–8 PM. Teens lead clubs in Art, Cooking, Theater, Debate, and D&D, and the Center hosts Games Night and Movie Night every other Friday.

T.E.A.M. Link

Launched in 2023, this program provides peer support and advocacy for teens living in foster care, connecting them with peers who understand their experience and can help them build community.

Road to Better Mental Health Education

Our newest program (2024) addresses teen mental health with a 5-pronged, proactive approach. We are trained in the in-school evidence-based SOS Suicide Prevention Program.