DANVILLE – A summer program convinced 13-year-old Dionne Lipscomb to remain abstinent until she's finished with school.

"I've learned it's the only way to be 100 percent sure you won't get pregnant," she said.

Likewise, Allison Martin, 13, said she has no interest in boys or being sexually active.

"I don't want to get married or have children," she said. "I want to go on to school. I can't finish school if I get pregnant. If I abstain, I can't get (sexually transmitted diseases), either."

The girls participated in a three-week summer session of Young Women Aware. One session, "I'm Worth Waiting For," used "reality babies" to give the experience of a demanding baby.

The girls talked about their dreams and how they could be affected by poor decisions.

"If you get pregnant, you're dreams won't come true or they'll be delayed," said Blessing Lipscomb, 11. "Babies cost a lot of money to take care of. You can't go to school if you have a baby to support."

In one exercise, the girls filled a diaper bag with items for a baby, then discussed what it would cost. They also circled interesting job descriptions in the newspaper and learned those jobs required at least an associate's degree.

"I want to finish school so I can get a good job," Allison said.

Program coordinator Brennon Hightower summarized the girls' findings:

– Do the best you can at school.

– Follow the rules.

– Hold your vision.

– Take care of yourself physically, mentally and emotionally.

Young Women Aware, an outreach program of Provena United Samaritans Medical Center Foundation, keeps its three-pronged focus on completing high school, attending college and abstinence as the goals for the girls who come from Danville's high school and two middle schools.

A partner group, Young Men Aware, does similar discussions.

As a closing, the girls received a "diamond" ring key chain to remind them they truly are "Worth Waiting For."