Our Program Goals

Over the years research has shown that through effective resources and interactions, at-risk teens

Educational Support & Drop-Out Prevention Services

Lack of educational support for at risk teens has been an undeniable issue that continues to grow each year. Often times we see that schools do not have the resources to offer quality learning, parents lack the ability to effectively communicate the importance of education to their child, and students are often distracted by their classroom surroundings, all resulting in the child’s inability to excel academically. This can cause a student to feel unmotivated and disconnected from their studies, which often leads to failing grades, expulsion, and higher drop-out rates.

Through our educational support programs, we combat these issues and design solutions that specifically target the needs of each individual student. We created an atmosphere devoted to academic excellence that allows us to work one-on-one with students so they can receive the undivided attention needed to process the information they receive and implement it in their daily studies. These solutions are the core focus of our Girl Talk mentoring program and academic labs. Through the mentoring program, we provide an advanced curriculum that allows students to explore academic and career options, while setting goals to help them get closer to achieving their future ambitions. Our academic labs are stimulating resources that provide mentees with an opportunity to enhance a specific skill or improve on a subject matter. Combined, these two programs cover everything from tutoring and preparing for college to resume building and computer literacy.

Through these initiatives, we provide an opportunity for at-risk teens to gain the education and knowledge needed to progress.

Recreation and Social Opportunities

The importance of bonding amongst teen girls is an essential issue that we like to stress to the mentees of our program. Creating an atmosphere of friendship, trust, and thoughtfulness not only allow our girls to understand and respect each other, but it also gives them an outlet to get the support and love they may not receive on a regular basis.

To encourage this connection, we implement recreational and social opportunities into every outing, workshop, lab, and general gathering. We plan a full schedule of weekend and overnight activities throughout the year, which allows students to enhance their social skills outside of school and work. Whether dancing, exercising, hiking, or enjoying a meal, mentees are constantly working to improve their team building skills to motivate each other to do better. This naturally creates a feeling of comradery and a powerful system of support- two of the main things the girls in our program need the most.

Outside of the friendship aspect, these opportunities also encourage our mentees to develop and maintain healthy lifestyles which will positively affect their diet, physique, and learning abilities. Our social and recreational activities include: scrapbooking, Zumba, photography, painting, jewelry making, and sleepovers.

Life Skills Training

Life skills training enable youth to become responsible, self-sufficient leaders with a deeper knowledge and understanding of how to work through everyday challenges. As they enter the program, mentees are immersed into the importance of developing the skills needed to be proficient in their everyday lives. Through our trainings we stress the importance of progressive development for young women, personal and professional growth, and life experience knowledge. Our interpersonal programs include art, dance and music enrichment, daily living skills enhancement, safety skills enhancement, life experience classes and assistance with self-advocacy.

Mentees are also given the opportunity to engage in vocational experiences, including cooking, in-house maintenance, training and proper etiquette. We then encourage them to implement these new skills in their everyday lives, instilling the ideals learned through the program.

Interpersonal Skills Training

Many young people are faced with their greatest challenges during the awkward stages of their teen years. In constant social situations every day, they are forced to deal with peer pressure, fears, struggles, and many uncertainties about life. A teen’s ability to integrate social and life skills is crucial when considering the need to improve academic performance, increase social interactions, and develop effective networking skills.

Through our interpersonal skills training we provide interactive communications activities that allow mentees to become confident in their social abilities. During this ongoing process they develop effective public speaking skills, enhance written and spoken communication, and maintain ongoing social relationships with each other.

Basic Technology Training

In the ever-changing, progressive era of technology, it’s important for teens to have the skills needed to perform the basic functions needed to excel in the classroom and job arena. These skills catapult them past their competitors and allow them to explore opportunities that can land them their ideal internship or career position.

To help with this process, we created programs designed to teach students how to properly use computers and there essential programs to help increase their administrative skills. In our custom designed computer literacy labs we educate mentees on the use of commonly used Microsoft Office software, proper typing skills, and appropriate internet use.