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Empowering Youth, Decreasing Gangs
| Name | Latosia S. Gibson | | Situation | In the outermost rural area of Colleton County, gang activity is steadily increasing. Middle school aged boys and girls are participating in gangs and violent activities. Out of the middle school population of 450, 15% of that population is in gangs. Statistics show that students engaged in gangs are from single family homes, the parent is the only financial supporter, several siblings are to be cared for and the children are raising themselves. Thirty-five percent of the gang members are minority,
African American, Latino and Hispanic youth who have dropped out of school, participating in illegal activities and are unemployed. | | Response | The county agent collaborated with the teacher/parent resource specialist at the school targeting youth ages 12-15, that are no longer participating in gang activity. The agent provided four weekly series of two-hour sessions reaching 20 youth and 30 parents. The sessions consisted of personal development, job readiness and leadership. The students were given booklets containing job interview skills, sample applications, attire information, and resume writing. | | Impact | After participating in the Extension program, 90% of the participants indicated that they had increased their knowledge level about job readiness, personal development and leadership. Eighty-five percent of the participants indicated that they increased their knowledge of positive self-image and attitude. Eighty-five percent indicated that they plan to use the information and knowledge gained to seek employment. |
Last update5/9/2008
This website is maintained by Amy West.
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