After-school Enrichment and Graduate Support Programs at Marian Middle School: Positive Alternatives to Violence, Gangs and Drugs.

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).

In an effort to address the educational needs of young adolescents whose opportunities and potential are limited by a culture of poverty,Catholic women of St. Louis worked collaboratively to establish an alternative middle school for girls from low-income families. Based on the Nativity Mission Model, Marian Middle School gives 5th through 8th grade girls of high promise a strong, challenging academic education in a small and nurturing environment. This project will support the after-school Enrichment and Graduate Support Programs. These unique educational experiences provide skills necessary to overcome environmental obstacles and positive alternatives to unhealthy choices and harmful behaviors such as dropping out of school, substance abuse, delinquency, teen pregnancy, and violence. Through quality education and working in partnership with parents, Marian Middle School will make a significant contribution toward breaking the cycle of poverty and powerlessness in which these girls and their families live. Outcomes of this project will include the increase in the likelihood of academic grade completion, college prep high school attendance and college acceptance. Progress toward these goals will be measured through monthly assessment of GPA; enrollment, attendance, ACT scores, and degree conferrals. NCA/NCF