Peer Connect Program

NEW SESSION:
October to December, 2026

For summer session dates, contact Jennifer Madonia at Jennifer@yesshecaninc.org

Ages: 15 to 21
Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays
Time: 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm
Location: 10 Church St., White Plains, NY 10601
Program duration: 10 weeks
Cost: $3,305

LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE

Confidence Building Structure Model

This program aims to provide participants with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to build and maintain confidence in all areas of their lives.

By actively engaging in the class activities and applying the learned techniques, participants can expect to experience a significant improvement in their self-esteem and overall confidence levels.

This is a structured class designed to build confidence in participants.

It covers key areas such as understanding confidence, identifying limiting beliefs, developing positive self-talk, practicing assertiveness, and setting achievable goals.

The program also aims to provide practical tools and techniques that individuals can use to enhance their self-esteem and overall confidence levels.

Class Structure

The class will be structured into several modules, each focusing on a specific aspect of confidence-building. Each module will include a combination of theoretical explanations, interactive exercises, group discussions, and practical assignments.

Module 1: Understanding Confidence

Objective: To define confidence and differentiate it from arrogance and self-esteem.
Content:
- What is Confidence? Exploring the definition and nuances of confidence.
- Confidence vs. Arrogance: Understanding the difference between healthy confidence and overbearing arrogance.
- Confidence vs. Self-Esteem: Differentiating between belief in one’s abilities and overall self-worth.
- The Benefits of Confidence: Discussing the positive impacts of confidence on various aspects of life, including relationships, career, and personal well-being.
Activities:
- Group discussion: Sharing personal experiences related to confidence.
- Self-assessment: Identifying current confidence levels in different areas of life.

Module 2: Identifying Limiting Beliefs

Objective: To recognize and challenge negative thought patterns that hinder confidence.
Content:
- What are Limiting Beliefs? Defining and understanding the nature of limiting beliefs.
- Common Limiting Beliefs: Identifying common negative thoughts that undermine confidence (e.g., “I’m not good enough,” “I’m going to fail,” “People will judge me”).
- Sources of Limiting Beliefs: Exploring the origins of limiting beliefs (e.g., childhood experiences, societal expectations, past failures).
- Challenging Limiting Beliefs: Techniques for questioning and reframing negative thoughts.
Activities:
- Individual reflection: Identifying personal limiting beliefs.
- Cognitive restructuring exercises: Practicing techniques to challenge and reframe negative thoughts.

Module 3: Developing Positive Self-Talk

Objective: To cultivate positive and supportive inner dialogue.
Content:
- The Power of Self-Talk: Understanding the impact of inner dialogue on confidence and behavior.
- Identifying Negative Self-Talk: Recognizing and monitoring negative thoughts and self-criticism.
- Replacing Negative Self-Talk with Positive Affirmations: Creating and using positive affirmations to boost confidence.
- Practicing Self-Compassion: Developing kindness and understanding towards oneself, especially during challenging times.
Activities:
- Affirmation creation: Developing personalized positive affirmations.
- Role-playing: Practicing positive self-talk in different scenarios.
- Journaling: Reflecting on the impact of positive self-talk.

Module 4: Practicing Assertiveness

Objective: To communicate needs and boundaries effectively and respectfully.
Content:
- What is Assertiveness? Defining assertiveness and differentiating it from aggression and passivity.
- Benefits of Assertiveness: Discussing the positive outcomes of assertive communication, such as improved relationships and increased self-respect.
- Assertive Communication Techniques: Learning and practicing techniques for expressing needs and boundaries clearly and respectfully (e.g., “I” statements, setting boundaries, saying “no”).
- Handling Conflict Assertively: Strategies for managing disagreements and conflicts confidently and respectfully.
Activities:
- Role-playing: Practicing assertive communication in various scenarios.
- Group discussion: Sharing experiences related to assertiveness.
- Developing assertive responses: Crafting assertive responses to common situations.

Module 5: Setting Achievable Goals

Objective: To set realistic and attainable goals that contribute to a sense of accomplishment and boost confidence.
Content:
- The Importance of Goal Setting: Understanding how setting and achieving goals can enhance confidence.
- SMART Goals: Learning the SMART goal framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
- Breaking Down Large Goals: Strategies for dividing large goals into smaller, more manageable steps.
- Celebrating Successes: Recognizing and celebrating achievements, no matter how small.
Activities:
- Goal-setting workshop: Setting SMART goals in different areas of life.
- Action planning: Developing detailed plans for achieving set goals.
- Visualization exercises: Imagining the achievement of goals.

Module 6: Overcoming Fear of Failure

Objective: To address and manage the fear of failure, which often hinders confidence and action.
Content:
- Understanding Fear of Failure: Exploring the roots and manifestations of the fear of failure.
- Reframing Failure: Viewing failure as a learning opportunity rather than a personal defect.
- Taking Calculated Risks: Encouraging participants to step outside their comfort zones and take calculated risks.
- Building Resilience: Developing the ability to bounce back from setbacks and challenges.
Activities:
- Sharing experiences: Discussing personal experiences with failure and how they were overcome.
- Risk assessment: Evaluating potential risks and rewards associated with taking action.
- Developing coping strategies: Creating strategies for managing setbacks and building resilience.

Module 7: Body Language and Confidence

Objective: To understand how body language impacts confidence and to learn techniques for projecting confidence through non-verbal communication.
Content:
- The Connection Between Body Language and Confidence: Exploring how posture, eye contact, and gestures influence self-perception and how others perceive us.
- Projecting Confidence Through Body Language: Techniques for improving posture, maintaining eye contact, using confident gestures, and speaking with a strong voice.
- Reading Body Language: Learning to interpret non-verbal cues from others to better understand their emotions and intentions.
- Practicing Confident Body Language: Exercises for developing and maintaining confident body language in various situations.
Activities:
- Body language analysis: Observing and analyzing body language in videos and real-life interactions.
- Posture exercises: Practicing exercises to improve posture and body alignment.
- Role-playing: Practicing confident body language in different scenarios.

Module 8: Maintaining Confidence

Objective: To develop strategies for maintaining confidence over the long term.
Content:
- The Importance of Self-Care: Recognizing the role of self-care in maintaining confidence and well-being.
- Building a Support System: Cultivating positive relationships and seeking support from others.
- Continuous Learning and Growth: Embracing opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Regularly Reviewing and Adjusting Goals: Ensuring that goals remain relevant and challenging.
Activities:
- Self-care planning: Developing a personalized self-care plan.
- Identifying support systems: Identifying and connecting with supportive individuals.
- Reflecting on progress: Reviewing progress made throughout the class and identifying areas for continued growth.

Assessment

Participant progress will be assessed through:

Active participation in class discussions and activities.
Completion of assigned exercises and assignments.
Self-reflection journals.
A final presentation on personal confidence-building goals and strategies.

Materials

Participants will receive a workbook containing:

Module summaries.
Exercises and worksheets.
Affirmation templates.
Goal-setting guides.
Additional resources and readings.

Please fill out our Programs Form and specify that you want to enroll to Peer Connect. Contact our Director of Training Programs, Jennifer Madonia, at jennifer@yesshecaninc.org for additional details.

NEW SESSION: October to December, 2026

LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE

NEW SESSION:
October to December, 2026