The After-School Project
At a time when more children are unsupervised between the time of 2 and 9 pm, the need for quality after-school programming is great. A quality after-school, or summer program can provide a safe place for kids and additional learning opportunities.
· The reasons why we need after-school programs:
· Over 28 million school-age children have both parents or single parent in the workforce.
· Millions of children are left alone at home each week.
· Many children, especially low-income children, lose ground in reading if they are not engaged in organized learning over the summer.
· Experts agree that school-age children who are unsupervised during the hours after school are more likely to receive poor grades and drop out of school than those who are involved in supervised, constructive activities.
· Statistics show that most juvenile crime takes place between the hours of 2:00 and 9:00 pm, and that children are also at much greater risk of being the victims of crime during the hours after school.
A. Basic Skills Remediation
Youth who are basic skills deficient at registration will be enrolled into our Youth Service program which provides the youth with assistance in math, reading and comprehension. In some cases students with higher deficiencies will be referred to one of the City Colleges of Chicago, where they will receive Adult Basic Education in reading and/or math. The student will be assessed for progress and when proficiency is achieved the youth will be able to enroll into their program of choice.
B. Dropout Prevention Strategies
Students who are having trouble in their academics will be referred to the Youth Service Initiative program to receive tutoring, study skills training and instruction leading to successful completion of their academic studies. If the program cannot achieve the goals for the student, they will be referred to an Academic Support Center. The Academic Support Center assists students in successfully completing academic subjects. A variety of services available through three divisions help achieve this goal. The Academic Support Center provides individual and group tutorial services via the use of an interactive computer system for the review and reinforcement of classroom instruction. Tutoring is offered in: Accounting, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Critical thinking, Economics, English, GED, Math, and Statistics.
The Academic Support Center serves as a bridge between instruction and student services. It assists with the transition of new students, provides a supportive academic environment for all students, and assist students in developing a meaningful educational plan compatible to their goals. The department identifies the educational needs of students and assists in fostering successful learning skills. Support is provided through a variety of options: workshops, tutorial services, and easy to use interactive computer systems
Other dropout prevention strategies include activities that gives incentives and supports to improve attendance; programs to encourage parent involvement; early intervention for academic difficulties (such as peer tutoring programs); community mentorship; and partnerships with community business to connect school to work. Development of high school alternative programs that provide nontraditional approaches to vocational training and high school completion will also provide options for students who have not been successful in meeting the academic or social demands of the typical school program.
C. Alternative And/Or Secondary School Offerings
The Youth Services program has a linkage agreement with The City College’s of Chicago Education Programs provides under-prepared adult learners with access to post-secondary education. The program serves the educational needs of adults who reside in Chicago and who have not completed either elementary or secondary education.
The Adult Learning Skills Program's noncredit courses include:
· GED preparation
· Spanish GED
· ESL (English as a second Language)
· Literacy
· Citizenship classes
They offer, Opportunities for Chicagoans living and working anywhere in the city to complete basic and secondary school and gain entry-level skills for employment, A bilingual staff to assist you in reaching your goals, Use of facilities: Computer lab, library, academic support center, extra curricular activities and more.
Individual goals may include post-secondary education, basic employment skills training, and/or personal and career enhancement. More specifically, it is to serve the educational needs of adults who reside in Chicago and who have not completed either elementary or secondary education. Through the Adult Education program, Malcolm X College provides a range of academic courses and programs in locations throughout the city. Classes are also offered at the main campus, the Malcolm X College West Side Learning Center and twenty-five off campus sites in and around Chicago.
D. Leadership Development Opportunities
Incorporated into our Youth Services programs are leadership elements that promote positive social behavior and teach employment skills such as decision making, planning, contributing to the community, heritage and team work. Home of Life also has the Youth in Action program which promotes leadership skills. These skills will help youth create aspirations for the future, providing opportunities for career exploration and educational enhancement.
E. Occupational Skills Training
The Occupational skills training will be provided in the demand occupation that matches with the employment career goals indicated in the Objective Assessment. The training may be conducted in a classroom setting, through a recognized pre-apprenticeship program, or in collaboration with other youth organizations such as After School Mailers. This training will result in a certification of skill competence and training related job placement.
Programs for both in- and out-of –school youth are designed to integrate components of work-based learning with school-based learning. This may be done by connecting students with employers and work or by creating community service activities that link academic and occupational skills.
Home of Life has linkages with different Community Businesses that are willing to train and mentor our participants. The areas of training will include but not limited to the Insurance Field, Banking, Real Estate, and Construction to name a few.
Participants will be matched according to their interests upon completion of all enrollment documentation and availability of training provider.
The design of the program will provide opportunity for students to receive hands-on training in a specific occupational area. This program is designed for students who need work-based training and classroom instruction to be competitively employable. The program is open-entry/open-exit, allowing students to begin their training at specific time periods. Individualized training plans are developed in consultation with the student, work-site trainer, Home of Life staff and program coordinator.
Students in this program are required to participate in a supervised and structured work-based training in addition to classroom instruction. The program utilizes local businesses as training sites. Students choose training from many different occupational areas.
The mentoring program will be for a duration of at least twelve (12) months, that may occur both during and after program participation. It connects a participant with a caring adult who may serve as a teacher, trainer, and counselor. A mentor will commit to assist each participant to achieve his or her potential and gain the skills available through the program.
Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling
· Drug and alcohol counseling (if a referral, provide the name of the agency and direct contact name)
· Mental health counseling (if a referral, provide the name of the agency and direct contact name)
· Career guidance counseling (if a referral, provide the name of the agency and direct contact name)
· Other Counseling, please specify (if a referral, provide the name of the agency and direct contact name)
Begin making a difference and call 773-626-8655