Understanding the influence of Projet Jeune Leader on former participants of its program: A qualitative and retrospective study

The purpose of this study was to understand the extent to which Projet Jeune Leader's (PJL) holistic, school-based comprehensive sexuality education program influenced the lives and behaviors of participants. To answer this question, individual interviews were conducted with young adults who had received PJL programming in middle school at least two years ago. Former participants revealed that PJL positively influenced their transition to adulthood; they shared that PJL’s program discouraged them from engaging in risky sexual behaviors, encouraged them to avoid using alcohol and drug, and motivated them to continue their education. Former participants also reported gaining new social-emotional skills, particularly self-esteem.