COMMUNITY YOUTH PROGRAM

The Community Youth Program will empower the Midwood youth by engaging them in community organizing in their own neighborhood. It will provide a safe space for young people to develop life skills, receive academic and career-related support, and share a sense of community with other individuals from immigrant families. This program will serve youth aged 13-21 living in Central Brooklyn.

The purpose of this program is to

(1) Make young people more aware of their neighborhood,

(2) To teach them the leadership skills necessary to take action in improving living conditions in their ......community, and

(3) To provide them with opportunities to use these skills in real life scenarios.

In doing so, the youth will become more engaged in their community, increase confidence, and develop pride in their neighborhood. Simultaneously, the participants will develop a relationship and sense of belonging within the COPO community. The program consists of five distinct phases.

Phase 1 – Intake

Phase 2 – Weekly Training Program

Phase 3 – Needs Assessment

Phase 4 – Community Service

Phase 5 – Graduation Ceremony

The program will conclude with a graduation ceremony, during which the youth will celebrate and receive recognition for their work. They will also be rewarded with a modest stipend.

This program strives to address several key issues that affect youth, particularly those from low-income, immigrant families. Firstly, the program will help youth cope with economic difficulties. As many teenagers are compelled to drop out of school to provide for their families, we will help them assess their options. Secondly, the Community Youth Program will provide youth with career development and counseling by inviting community members with different careers to speak with the youth. These adults may serve as role-models for them. Thirdly, the program will help participants to develop life skills specific to living in America, by providing cultural education. Lastly, many youth face cultural identity issues, post-9/11. This program will provide a platform for youth to discuss these issues in a group setting.