FAQ
What is SNAPP?
SNAPP stands for Strength, Navigate, Advocacy, Purpose, and Perseverance. The program focuses on purpose, empowerment, determination, hope, optimism, collaboration, and potential, among others. This approach does not deny challenges but helps teens recognize and face them head on, while developing mental grit towards overcoming them. Topics that will be discussed include: accepting yourself and your differences, finding your strengths and capitalizing on them, understanding what is happening to your changing bodies, and future career opportunities.
Is SNAPP just for girls?
Two programs are currently offered: one for girls and one for boys.
How does the mentorship of SNAPP work?
Research shows that a big sister type of relationship includes positive outcomes, such as improved self-perception, academic performance, parent-child interactions, peer support, social acceptance, and reduced use of alcohol and drugs. SNAPP supports this by using the SnappSis relationship to achieve its goals and vision. All participants have a SnappSis or, in the case of an odd number of participants, a SnappSis family. Middle school participants will be matched with high school mentors. Mentors are trained to understand what their role is and IS NOT! It’s important for those who are acting in this big sister role to recognize the limits of their responsibility. The training will be for two to three sessions before they are introduced to their little sis’, with continual processing throughout.
Will sex and drugs be discussed?
Yes. Closer to the end of the 12 weeks, there are two sessions held to discuss more difficult topics like eating disorders, sexual relationships, drug and alcohol use, etc. These topics will be adjusted based on the need of the group.
Who facilitates the groups?
Groups are facilitated by graduate and doctoral students from CSU and UNC who are receiving a degree in counseling and who have experience working with adolescents and running group discussions. These individuals have been screened by the SNAPP board members. If some issue does arise that needs additional attention or individual counseling, participants will be referred to a licensed professional counselor.
Why is there an application process?
While we would love to include everyone who is interested, we realize that some applicants require more than what SNAPP can provide. In addition, we want all applicants to know that some of the material covered includes discussions on serious topics and we want to make sure all participants are ready for those conversations. Our process includes applications being reviewed and follow-up interviews taking place. This helps us to make the best SnappSis pairs/families.
How much does SNAPP cost?
SNAPP is FREE to every participant. We are a non-profit organization and depend 100% on donations to run our sessions AND to be available to ALL who need it. If your teen is participating and you are able to make a donation, it is very much appreciated. We also accept donations from the community and businesses. If you or someone you know is interested in donating, please click here.
What will my teen get from participating in SNAPP?
High school mentors can expect to have an amazing experience, a chance to make a difference, and a general letter of recommendation upon successfully completing the program.
Middle school participants can expect to have an amazing experience and a chance to learn from the group leaders and peers about a variety of topics.
SNAPP – An empowerment response to today’s culture for youth.
What is SNAPP all about?
SNAPP is a place where young teens can be authentic, celebrate differences, and find their inner greatness.
The overall methodology combines a strengths-based philosophy with positive psychology to create an approach that focuses on purpose, empowerment, perseverance, hope, optimism, collaboration, and potential, among others.
