Building Good Citizens

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).

This proposal seeks to address the problem of juvenile delinquency and represents a continuation of the 2006 OJJDP award titled 'Building Good Citizens through Character and Civic Education.' This interactive program has, to date, served thousands of youth as well as teachers and adult leaders. The program content focuses on the themes of courage, cooperation and patriotism. Children experience these concepts through participation in activities, first person dramatic interpretations and opportunities to pursue the completion of civic projects. The use of music, drama and theater help maintain student interest and focused on the critical need for personal knowledge and involvement in order to effectively engage students as individual citizens in a self-governing society.

The current proposal builds upon the previous project work. The recognition of continued civic responsibility presents a need for post-program involvement. This opportunity will be provided through the creation and delivery of an interactive teacher resource, the Amazing Citizenship Challenge DVD and other supporting materials. This teaching tool will further advance the goal of understanding and practicing good civic behavior by building character to make good citizens.

NCA/NCF