Erie Youth Violence Prevention Program

The City of Erie will implement the Erie Youth Violence Prevention Program expansion with OJJDP FY23 funds. The purpose is to build the capacity of the Erie Police Athletic League (PAL) and Erie Police Community Outreach Program (COP) to have a greater impact on preventing youth violence in the City of Erie. Grant funds will increase staffing to directly support the expansion of PAL and COP activities to address the growing concerns over youth violence and provide a vehicle dedicated to these youth programs. Expected outcomes include: increased number of youth served; improved school attendance and academic performance; and decreased incidents of juvenile crime and juvenile victims. City of Erie youth and their families are the intended beneficiaries of the project, with a focus on youth from distressed neighborhoods, low-income households, historically disadvantaged demographic populations, and those may be at-risk of impact from violence or negative behaviors. Additional beneficiaries include PAL partner agencies and volunteers; school staff and teachers; and a variety of other agencies serving youth.