GOALS OF THE SHORTRIDGE PROGRAM

The goals and specific strengths that the Shortridge Academy
program is designed to develop are:

• Build healthy decision-making and critical thinking skills by developing a personal value system for making good choices, and becoming comfortable seeking adult advice when appropriate.
• Establish and maintain trusting relationships by forming mutually supportive connections with family, peers, and other adults.
• Embrace and implement a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, by embracing a sound attitude toward their bodies and their sexuality, and by managing risk-seeking impulses in a positive way.
• Recognize and develop individual leadership potential by understanding the elements of responsibility, and ultimately learning to be strong and positive role models themselves.
• Create personal goals and identify the resources and strategies to achieve them by establishing and working toward short and long-term objectives, including plans for life transitions.
• Develop resiliency and self-efficacy by increasing confidence and social competence, reinforced by thoughtful practice of coping skills during times of discomfort.
• Establish a more positive role within the family by discovering how best to contribute to the dynamics of their family system.