Boston Youth Service Network Hyams Foundation Symposium 10/28/08

Boston Youth Service Network A group of community-based organizations providing an integrated continuum of alternative education and career exploration programs to at-risk youth who have not found success in traditional systems.

Mission To improve the quality and diversity of services for youth at risk that allow them to develop the academic, work- readiness, life skills and support structure necessary to become productive adults. We do this by working collaboratively to deliver services and leverage resources.

Member Organizations  Action for Boston Community Development  Boston Asian YES  Bridge Over Troubled Waters  Crittenton Women’s Union  EDCO Youth Alternative  El Centro del Cardenal  Federated Dorchester Neighborhood Houses  GED Plus at ESAC  Hull Lifesaving Museum  Hyde Square Task Force  Notre Dame Education Center  Sociedad Latina  YouthBuild Boston

How we serve youth Key program components:  Outreach and Re-engagement that emphasizes strong relationships with consistent, caring adults and helps guide youth to the appropriate program for them.  Alternative Education - community-based diploma programs, GED preparation and testing, basic skill remediation, college preparation and transition support.  Career Exploration and skill development - youth develop in-depth, relevant skills in a range of industry- based careers and prepare, plan and transition to next steps in employment, training or higher education.  Youth Employment services - job readiness, skills training, financial literacy and support.

Alternative Education DIPLOMA/ TRANSITION PROGRAMS ABCD Ostiguy Recovery High School ABCD University High School EDCO Youth Alternative El Centro del Cardenal Notre Dame Education Center Little House Middle School (FDNH) Chances Program (Crittenton) YOUNG ADULT GED PROGRAMS Bridge Over Troubled Waters GED Plus at ESAC The Log School (FDNH) Young Adult GED (Crittenton) Pa’lante GED (El Centro) Boston Asian YES Notre Dame Education Center

Career Exploration YouthBuild Boston - Building Trades Sociedad Latina - Health Careers, Community Organizing, Music Hyde Square Task Force - Health Careers, Community Organizing, Dance Hull Lifesaving Museum - Maritime Apprenticeship Program ABCD Career Explorations - Building Trades, Biotech, Facilities Maintenance, Auto Repair, Financial Services, Early Childhood Education, Multimedia Technology

How we serve youth  Committed to a personalized approach and intensive, long-term case management based on the needs of individual youth. Individualized services, goal setting, assessments of academic, work- readiness and support services needs. A proactive referral system Support and follow-up

Value of collaboration  More effectively serve youth and assure access to diverse range of programs.  More effectively collaborate with key partners – Boston Public Schools, City of Boston, Private Industry Council.

Memorandum of Understanding  Prioritize referrals among members.  Share relevant client information.  Utilize the web-based referral system.  Regularly attend network meetings and participate on a committee.  Abide by network standards.

Capacity Building  Community website –  Learning Disabilities project  Network data initiative

Network Data Profile (FY07) GenderSchool Status Male: 48%In School: 36% Female: 52%Out of School: 64% Risk Factors of Program Participants Risk Factors% of Youth Homeless/ Runaway15% Pregnant or Parenting22% English Language Learner26% Court Involved44% Below 9 th Grade English54% Single Parent Household55% Below 9 th Grade Math64% Low Income87% Race/ Ethnicity comparison of youth participants (average across network programs)

Youth Voice  Video