We are on a mission to provide 100 at risk youth between the ages of 16-26 with a HS Diploma, Life Skills Training (financial literacy and job readiness skills), construction, entrepreneurship and, IT training and certification as well as provide them with leadership development, counseling and mentoring services. Youth participants will also engage in construction training activities that provide minor repair of senior citizen homes that were damaged by hurricanes Irma and Maria.
Since 2017's devastating hurricanes Irma and Maria, the US Virgin Islands High school drop out rates doubled with the majority of reported dropouts from the St.Thomas/St. John school district (80%, or 383 students). Juvenile crime on the island of St.Thomas has increased, safe housing remains a challenge, skilled job training and access to financial literacy is limited, substance abuse and mental health support needs have increased while resources to meet the growing needs remains a challenge.
This program will directly impact 100 at risk youth by diverting them from the criminal justice system, linking them to care (mental health, housing, medical health, substance abuse), providing them with training that assists them in obtaining a high school diploma, they will obtain life skills training and career training and certification while supporting their local community in the long term recovery through providing needed repairs for 60 senior homes impacted by hurricanes Irma and Maria.
This project will educate 100 at risk youth on the island of St.Thomas and equip them with the resources needed to be self sufficient and rise out of poverty. 60 Senior citizen's homes will be safer for them to live in.
