Kids Now builds self-esteem and leadership skills in grade 7 & 8 students to help them become confident, resilient youth who can transition successfully into high school and prepare for a brighter future. Kids Now gives youth the tools to confront the tough choices they face during their critical "tween" years, helping more kids say yes to completing school and no to drugs, alcohol, bullying and gangs. Bullying, peer pressure, stress and anxiety are issues youth face today. Many lack the necessary coping skills and need somewhere to turn to for guidance. Kids Now is a program that kids can count on NOW to help them overcome challenges, build confidence and learn how achieve their goals for a brighter future. Since 1999, over 15,000 youth have taken positive steps toward better futures by participating in Kids Now. Created by a Canadian educator in 1999 who saw a need to complement the existing school curriculum with life skills development, Kids Now has a proud tradition of helping disadvantaged youth, as well as their families and communities. Kids Now's 12-week after-school program features an educator-endorsed curriculum that leads participants through interactive exercises and discussions focussed on self-esteem, goal-setting, effective communication, positive conflict resolution, stress management and other valuable life-success skills.