The purpose of this study was to design a prevention program that specializes in helping young girls develop healthy self-esteem through the use of media education, community service, mentoring and group participation. The literature review suggested that being involved in community-service programs, mentorship programs and interpersonal relationships supports the development of healthy self-esteem. Furthermore, the media literature illustrated the negative effects of thin-ideal and hypersexualized media images on the self-value of young female viewers.

This demonstration project consisted of creating an overall program design, incorporating the components above—media education, community service, mentoring and group participation—that could be adapted by program directors in the field to better serve young girls in their communities. Consultants in the field were identified to review and critique the program design. Their feedback was then integrated into the program.

The final product created is a research-informed program design that has been examined and influenced by expert consultants. It is my goal that the program, named Project HERO, will be tested in the future and could provide females with a safe and loving environment to support their growth in self-esteem.