RST Green Technology Reentry Program

This initiative is a component of OJJDP's Tribal Youth Program initiative. This is the first year that OJJDP has released a solicitation that exclusively focuses on providing services and programming for tribal youth in juvenile detention facilities. With this new demonstration program, OJJDP seeks to enhance opportunities for federally recognized tribes to provide comprehensive and quality programs for tribal youth who reside within or are being released from tribal juvenile detention centers. This program also marks the first time that OJJDP is sponsoring an initiative that encourages funding recipients to partner with institutions and organizations to incorporate green technologies and environmentally sustainable activities as part of the program's educational, training, and reentry activities for youth participants. This program is authorized under the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2009, Pub. L. 111-8.

The Wanbli Wiconi Tipi juvenile detention center proposes to engage tribal youth in a dedicated, 12 month reentry plan that will reduce recidivism of adjudicated youth by promoting the value of education, job opportunities, and small business development in green industries. Wanbli Wiconi Tipi can house up to 36 tribal juveniles from the ages of 12 to 17.

With the assistance of Sinte Gleska University, Wanbli Wiconi Tipi will develop and implement green technologies to engage youth as well as provide 12 months of aftercare services within 5 specific components: academic, personal development, cultural engagement, recreation and careers. Sinte Gleska University will provide education on emerging green technologies such as wind and solar energy, organic gardening, recycling, beekeeping, and creating biodiesel fuel from soybean crops.

While in Wanbli Wiconi Tipi, youth will work at green industries and the products produced through the technologies, such as, honey, vegetables, herbs, and biodiesel fuel, can be sold through the current non-profit business already established in Wanbli Wiconi Tipi. Technical assistance will be provided by Sinte Gleska University for the packaging, marketing and sales of the products. CA/NCF