YWCA Green Bay - De Pere After-School Programs for at-Risk Children

The OJJDP FY 10 Earmarks Program furthers 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 Conference Report to accompany the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010 (P.L. 111-117), H.R. Conf. Rep. No. 111-366 at 702-714.

The purpose of the YWCA After-School Programs is two-fold: improve school success to create a foundation for success in life, and inspire young teens and pre-teens to envision careers that tap into their talents and imagination. Both program areas will connect at-risk school-aged children ages 6 through 14 with certified year-round programs. The first deals with life issues such as peer pressure, alcohol and drugs, bullying and other activities, and homework help. The second applies a career-focused curriculum and uses hands-on experiences including computers, analysis, virtual and real-life role models and applies reading, writing and public speaking skills. Short-term goals include improved school performance, increased self-esteem and self-respect and developing a vision for the future, self-knowledge, flexibility and a willingness to use imagination. Intermediate-term goals include learning about money and understanding the many options that come from developing skills and interests that can lead to achieving their career goals and dreams and, further, to encourage existing interests in girls in the STEM areas (science, technology, engineering & math). Progress will be measured through a combination of teacher-reported improvements in homework completion, class participation and student behavior. Surveys, questionnaires and role-playing will measure attitudes, skill development, and career focus enhancement. NCA/NCF