Footprints for Life™ is a research-based primary prevention program that builds assets and teaches important life skills to students in grades two and three. Through the use of puppets and stories that feature “real life” situations experienced by a children’s soccer team.

 The program offers many opportunities for students to practice the new skills they have learned in a fun and non-threatening way.

The goal of Footprints for Life is to help young children build a strong foundation of life skills rooted in key social competencies. The social competencies that Footprints addresses are planning and decision-making practice, interpersonal skills, cultural competence, peer pressure, and peaceful conflict resolution — assets identified as promoting positive attitudes and behaviors.

 Search Institute's framework of Developmental Assets has become the most widely used approach to positive youth development in the United States. The assets are grounded in extensive research in youth development, resiliency, and prevention. They represent the relationships, opportunities, and personal qualities that young people need to avoid risks and to thrive. (http://www.search-institute.org/)

Footprints for Life is a six-week program taught during a regular classroom period for approximately 40 minutes each week. Weekly homework assignments and educational sheets not only reinforce the lessons between classes, but also involve parents in their child’s learning experience.

Footprints for Life reaches children while their health-related attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors are at a formative stage; it provides a resource for teachers to help identify potential problems; and it opens the door for parents to have important discussions with their children at home.

For more detailed information on the Footprints for Life program, please email Helen Varvi, Deputy Director, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..