As one reviews the literature, it is apparent that there are Youth Coalition Programs all over the country covering a multiplicity of topics on all aspects of the dilemmas that youths face. In the vast majority of the research studied three things stood out: (1) Empowerment, (2) Direction, (3) Intervention.
Youths need knowledge and they need to know that others believe in them and their abilities. The knowledge and belief become a stepping stone for youth empowerment. We have to remind ourselves that knowledge is power, and youths need to know and be taught the power of knowledge.
Youths become very confused as they move through the maturation stages. The only way they know how to cope with the natural changes in their bodies and minds is to do what their peers do or tell them what they should do. As adults, we need to provide the sense of direction. Youths need to know that there are adults to whom they can turn and trust when they need a sense of direction. The only thing youths may know is that they are confronted with a situation, and they have no earthly idea how to deal with it in a positive manner.
Youths are just young small humans, therefore like any other human, they are going to make mistakes. An intervention course of action should always be in place to assist them. Intervention before any concern gets out of control becomes a prevention mechanism.
There are many programs serving youths in the State of Mississippi, but two are given substantial publicity: (1) the Arts (theater) and; (2) Sports and Recreational (sports). There are programs on substance abuse, but more extensive counseling is needed to really affect change. Conflict resolution needs to be expanded and made more assessable to youths at risk. Teen parenting needs early intervention before the teen becomes a parent, and it should continue if the teen becomes a parent. Mentoring and tutoring should be available to all youths and especially those in need. Mentoring and tutoring services should be available before the youth reaches a stage of failure, because failure lowers anyone's self-esteem.
It is the mentoring and tutorial aspect that Mississippi Action for Progress, Inc. is putting forth efforts to address. During the course of this program, other issues may be addressed also, but mentoring and tutoring is the primary effort of this coalition.
This initiative is designed to assist former Head Start participants in elementary school. The assistance will be provided by former Head Start high school honor students. The students performing the services will not be paid, but will be provided rewards for their community service. The overall effort is to assist someone else in need and that is the greatest reward that one can receive.
Goals:
To improve the educational achievements of former Head Start participants.
To assist in shaping the character of former Head Start participants.