For many adolescent males, the passage from boyhood to manhood is challenging. It is a journey that requires young men to understand and manage new and confusing issues, while experiencing greater freedom, increased responsibility, peer pressure and physical changes. Having positive role models and making good choices during this vulnerable time is critical to making the transition a positive and healthy one.

Many young men, however, do not have such role models, and come from single-parent homes with no adult male influence. According to the 2000 Census, single mothers head more than 23 percent of family households throughout the United States. In low-income neighborhoods, that number jumps to 35.5 percent. Without positive adult male influences, many young men are vulnerable to making poor choices.

In comparison to girls, boys with no positive role models are less likely to be involved in high school organizations such as student government and school newspapers. They are also less likely to receive higher grades, become valedictorians or have high professional aspirations. In contrast, they have more disciplinary problems and higher dropout rates.

A Greater Sense of Self

Boys & Girls Clubs of America's Passport to Manhood program, designed for male Club members ages 11-14, addresses the issues and challenges faced by young men during this critical time in their development. Through 14 sessions concentrating on specific aspects of character development and manhood, the program helps young men explore and develop the attitudes, values and behaviors necessary to become self-sufficient adults of good character. Through highly interactive activities, participants address issues such as self-esteem, ethics, healthy relationships, diversity and substance abuse.

"The fraternal atmosphere that Passport to Manhood creates for our male members gives them an opportunity to help each other and take responsibility for their own learning," says Conrad Timbers, teen reach coordinator for Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago. "The best thing is that the learning and camaraderie continues long after the program is complete."

Clubs and communities both benefit when young men, engaged in healthy activities with positive male role models, develop a true sense of what positive manhood means. At a time when an increasing percentage of American children do not live with their biological fathers, the Passport to Manhood program offers a brighter future, and a greater sense of self and pride for male Club members.