The Hempstead Boys & Girls Club AfterSchool Programs

The OJJDP FY 09 Earmarks Programs further the Department's mission by providing grants, cooperative agreements, and other assistance authorized by the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974, as amended, to organizations identified in the Explanatory Statement Regarding H.R. 1105 (Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009), 155 Cong. Rec. H1653 (daily ed. Feb. 23, 2009) (statement by Rep. Obey, Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations of the House).

The Hempstead Boys & Girls Club in a collaborative agreement with the Hempstead Public School District has established comprehensive after-school programs in the Incorporated Village of Hempstead. With the goal of providing its members the academic skills needed to succeed in high school and beyond, the Hempstead Boys & Girls Club has implemented Project Learn, an educational enhancement program. The program offers children ages 6-16 a safe and drug-free environment, as well as an opportunity to engage in active, hands-on informal learning that supports and complements the normal school day formal learning activities. The program features seven major components: homework help and tutoring; high-yield learning and leisure activities; parent and adult involvement; collaboration with schools; incentives; 5th and 6th grade transition to middle school component; and community service activities. Activities are offered in the following areas, character and leadership development, education/reading/literacy and career development, health and life skills, the arts, and sports, fitness and recreation.

Project goals include the following. 1) Improve the social, emotional, academic and vocational competencies of school-age children and youth, 2) reduce negative youth behaviors such as violence and crime; tobacco, alcohol and substance abuse; disengagement from school; school suspension; and truancy and health-compromising behaviors and 3) provide parents with a safe after school environment for their children and youth. On a monthly basis, Club staff will document members' school performance, referral status and significant participant goals, such as Club involvement and school performance, tracking significant achievements and challenges.

NCA/NCF