An Achievable Dream

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.

An Achievable Dream addresses the manifestation in Newport News, Virginia, of a significant national problem: lack of success and engagement in school and dropping out can be precursors of juvenile delinquency and crime. In this city with high juvenile crime and drop-out rates, An Achievable Dream is refining a model of effective intervention by immersing disadvantaged, black children in a rigorous K-12 program that integrates strong academic, social, and moral components designed to prepare and propel them toward college or other post-secondary training and success.

Grant funds will support several activities that further achieve the project's goal of improving students' academic performance and instilling positive habits, values, and aspirations. Activities nclude: extended opportunities for learning (through a longer school day and year and Saturday School), enrichment activities to foster engagement in school, classes to teach specific skills that will prepare students for success, incentives to reward positive behaviors, career planning, experiences to broaden students' horizons, an intensive tennis program, promoting a positive group identity, parent involvement, and external evaluation. Progress will be measured by tracking participation in activities and monitoring achievement on state assessments, behavioral violations, attendance, retention and graduation, and college attendance. NCA/NCF