Wise Guys
Wise Guys was established in 2012 through the collaboration of New Concept Self Development Center, Inc. and Jewish Family Services to provide educational sessions related to making positive life choices to become healthy and productive adults. Currently, New Concept serves males ages 11-17 in the Milwaukee community within school and community settings.
Males are often the initiator of teen sexual activity, but all too often pregnancy prevention programs target females. Young men should be held to a higher standard, in which they will be the leaders and caretakers of tomorrow. With the heightened attention to glamorized depiction of negativity on television related to teen pregnancy and violent or delinquent behavior, males are in need of strong prevention programming to increase positive outcomes. Through sessions facilitated with the utilization of the evidence-based Wise Guys Male Responsibility Curriculum, program staff will educate participants in understanding sexual and reproductive behavior, STD transmission, and improved attitude concerning sex and sexual relationships. Pre- and post-tests are performed to gauge the knowledge of the participants prior to and upon completion of the program. It is expected participants will have an increase in knowledge and change in attitude. Young men will make better choices in terms of sexual behavior; demonstrate an increase in respect of themselves and others; and improve communication with family, teachers, and friends.
The Wise Guys curriculum acknowledges young men as “whole” individuals with a variety of needs and desires. The intent of the program is to focus on adolescent men and issues they relate to through discussion of topics which include: Myself; Personal and Family Values; Communication and “Masculinity”; Sexuality; Dating Violence; Abstinence and Contraception; Sexually Transmitted Infections; Goal-Setting; Decision-Making; Parenthood.
The Wise Guys program is a research based, best practice model which has been successful in helping young men make better, wiser decisions. To date, over 2,300 professionals nationwide have been trained to implement the Wise Guys program in their local communities and has garnered national acclaim by receiving the Cone Health Foundation’s Wellness Award (2008,2003) and the Office of Family Planning’s Award for Education (2007) to name a few.
The WISE GUYS program is designed as an education enhancement, not an incentive or free time activity in either in-school or community setting.
~~DUE TO THE COVID-19 VIRUS ALL IN PERSON PROGRAMMING HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE~~