Lashaya Norton was a junior at North Charleston (S.C.) High School when she encountered the obstacle that often derails young women’s educational plans: She became pregnant. Fortunately for Norton, her guidance counselor referred her to the Parent Aides Nurturing and Developing Adolescents (PANDA) program run by the Exchange Club Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse of the Lowcountry. Begun in 1998, PANDA helps first-time teen parents by focusing on preventing second pregnancies and supporting teen mothers’ academic progress. After PANDA staff made home visits with Norton and her parents, she was matched with a parent aide who provided academic counseling, helped her identify and work toward goals such as seeking and holding a job, and encouraged her in learning to balance her competing roles as student and young mother. “It helped me a lot,” says Norton. “It gave me the confidence I needed to continue.” PANDA’s hands-on approach shows impressive results: According to 2004 statistics, 88 percent of teen mothers in the program have passing grades, compared with a 16 percent baseline; 97 percent are enrolled in school, compared with a county-wide dropout rate of 57 percent; 92 percent show consistent school attendance; and 40 percent are enrolled or planning to enroll in a four-year college or a technical school. Norton herself graduated high school and is now a student at Columbia College. She spends weekends at her parents’ home, where her two-year old son Travez lives. PANDA, she says, played a big role in keeping her life on the right track. “They encourage you and let you know that you can continue with your life,” she says. “I would recommend the program to anyone who was in the situation I was in.” | 
