Scholars in Training

The After-School Corporation (TASC) in collaboration with 12 experienced children and family service agencies, proposes to create City Scholars in Training, a sustainable community approach to preventing youth delinquency among high-risk 14-15 year olds in these communities. This innovative model seeks to combat the interconnected causes of juvenile delinquency by engaging youth in a multifaceted 18 month program that includes community building activities, extensive leadership and job training, and apprenticeships as arts and sports "counselors in training" in summer camps and after-school programs. In addition to providing youth with practical social and work skills, program activities will be carefully sequenced to build participants' resilience, self 'esteem and motivation to stay in school and graduate. The project's collaborative structure is also designed to capitalize on opportunities at the community, school and family level and to build the capacity of partner agencies to prevent juvenile delinquency in their respective communities by sharing promising practices and pooling resources. The new program model, an outgrowth of City Connection seeks to engage younger youth with multiple risk factors before they fall behind in school and turn to anti-social or criminal behavior. CA/NCF