Community Crime Prevention and Youth Engagement Initiative

The Akron Urban League proposes to implement the Community Crime Prevention and Youth Engagement Initiative. The purpose is to disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline for students and youth of color ages 13-24 in Summit County, Ohio. Project activities include developing a trauma-informed model of culturally sensitive organizing, social service and mental health resources, record expungement, barrier removal, mentorship, career and education pathways, and workforce development. Expected outcomes include a reduction in neighborhood crime, increased youth independence, decreased recidivism and repeat criminal charges, increased job opportunities, and the prevention of juvenile delinquency. The intended beneficiaries of this project are historically marginalized youth ages 13-24 in Summit County.