After-School Youth Empowerment Program for Middle and High Schoolers
A program for young people, ages 12 and up, represents the fulfillment of a long-term dream for City Gate, and also an answered prayer. Youth are our future, and we hope to be there to help them become successful in every way!
Starting Tuesday, January 16, City Gate began a new After-school Youth Empowerment Program. Funded by the DC Government's Neighborhood Investment Fund Neighborhood Grants Program, this program provides youth ages 12 - 18 regular interaction with caring adults, in a fun, supportive environment, where youth feel comfortable to learn and grow. Two experienced Youth Empowerment Instructors, Mr. Daron Newburn and Ms. Michele Stewart, will allow young women and men to be mentored, creating the opportunity for discussions of topics such as dating, sex, school, goals, and peer pressure. Major components will include: homework help, academic tutoring, computer literacy, money management, career guidance, college preparation, youth-led activities, decision-making, community service, and spiritual and social development.
Youth come to the center each day after-school, from 4:00 - 6:30 pm, and receive a nutritious snack and later a hot meal. In conjunction with a behavior incentive plan, twice a month youth are given the opportunity to attend special out-of-town field trips. Additionally, three nights per week, from 6:30 - 9:00 pm, youth are given program time to safe place to hang out with fun and engaging activities: for example, 3 on 3 basketball tournaments and dance classes. During this evening time, youth plan their own activities, such as the 2007 National and Global Youth Service Day in April and special events that showcase their talents, such as our spring open house.
Finally, all youth are given the chance to deepen their lives spiritually, through the guidance of Rev. Tony Brown of Metropolitan outreach, as well as other City Gate ministry partners. Periodically throughout the program, and at its completion in June, youth will be evaluated for academic improvement and increased awareness of the topics covered. In summer, youth who were involved in the program will be given an opportunity to either participate in or work at City Gate Summer Day Camps.