Within strong families, children can thrive. And through stability of family life, youth find the love, security and significance they need. But, unfortunately children do not always find that stability at home. Connections: Relationship and Marriage is a research-based and evaluated curriculum used to teach students in 9th through 12th grades relationship best practices.

Connections is taught in local schools while collaborating with different organizations in order to support middle and high school students in achieving success in life.

Connections courses teach teens the skills that are essential for success in their dating relationships and in preparing for marriage. Topics covered in the course include:

• Self-understanding
• How relationships work
• Managing emotions
• Dating and emotions
• Dealing with problems
• Effective communication
• What to expect from dating and marriage

Connections material is fascinating to teens and immediately useful. In addition to lectures, lessons include lively brainstorming, small group work, games and role-playing. Connections programs were created for schools and youth organizations. The material is based on reliable research and continues to be evaluated as it is used in Memphis City Schools to teach relationship skills.