O.C. YOUTH COMMISSION 6 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Orange County Youth Commission Santa Ana, California This Program Addresses the following Elements: Element Number 1: Tutoring, study skills training, and instruction, leading to completion of secondary school, including dropout prevention strategies. We actively provide tutoring in all of our after-school clubs and, in particular, the Santa Ana Boxing Club. In 2006, we installed four new computers and have internet access on each. There is a physical area in the Club where students can utilize computers for homework. This area also serves as the tutoring area. We collaborate with Santa Ana College, Vanguard University, Biola University and other schools to place college students within the Club for tutoring. Here, they work one-on-one with youth identifying and addressing academic deficits where needed. All tutors are trained by Project Manager, Rosie Avila, a certificated teacher, a certified Stanford Testing Administrator, and member of the SAUSD school board for 16 years. Ms. Avila will provide comprehensive instruction in tutoring. Each student receives a pre-test to identify their current academic status and to identify areas that need improvement (reading skills, vocabulary, comprehension, basic math skills, etc.). The tutors establish an academic plan with the student to help them reach certain goals such as grades in individual classes; improving their overall GP A. They discuss steps to reach those goals and monitor progress toward that goal. A major incentive for youth to focus on homework and academics is that it is the key to boxing team membership. Boxing team membership serves as incentive to raise grades. In turn, the higher GP A becomes an intrinsic incentive. Our unique approach to character development (see element # 6) provides the necessary tools to achieve and do well in both academic and career pursuits. And the teaching/mentoring from staff and business/community professionals give them insight and connections needed to help them along their chosen path. We have seven years of experience with the boxing program and we are completing our first year as a WIA youth-serving agency meeting most of the performance goals. Students have raised their grades. One student in particular, had only F's in school and was placed in continuation school. After working at the gym, he raised his grades to A's and B's and is now no longer in an alternative school program but back in a regular school environment. Of the Santa Ana Boxing Club, Santa Ana Police Department Sergeant Richard Murg says, "This boxing program is unique. No other boxing club offers young people what the Santa Ana Boxing Club offers with its skill development, tutoring and character development. " Element Number 6: Leadership development opportunities, which may include community service and peer-centered activities encouraging responsibility and other positive social behaviors during non-school hours, as appropriate;