Boston Youth Service Network

Hyams Foundation Symposium10/28/08

Boston Youth Service Network

A group of community-based organizations providing an integrated continuum of alternative education and career exploration programs to at-risk youth who have not found success in traditional systems.

Mission

To improve the quality and diversity of services for youth at risk that allow them to develop the academic, work-readiness, life skills and support structure necessary to become productive adults. We do this by working collaboratively to deliver services and leverage resources.

Member Organizations Action for Boston Community Development Boston Asian YES Bridge Over Troubled Waters Crittenton Women’s Union EDCO Youth Alternative El Centro del Cardenal Federated Dorchester Neighborhood Houses GED Plus at ESAC Hull Lifesaving Museum Hyde Square Task Force Notre Dame Education Center Sociedad Latina YouthBuild Boston

How we serve youth

Key program components: Outreach and Re-engagement that emphasizes

strong relationships with consistent, caring adults and helps guide youth to the appropriate program for them.

Alternative Education - community-based diploma programs, GED preparation and testing , basic skill remediation, college preparation and transition support.

Career Exploration and skill development - youth develop in-depth, relevant skills in a range of industry-based careers and prepare, plan and transition to next steps in employment, training or higher education.

Youth Employment services - job readiness, skills training, financial literacy and support.

Alternative EducationDIPLOMA/ TRANSITION PROGRAMSABCD Ostiguy Recovery High SchoolABCD University High SchoolEDCO Youth AlternativeEl Centro del CardenalNotre Dame Education CenterLittle House Middle School (FDNH)Chances Program (Crittenton)

YOUNG ADULT GED PROGRAMSBridge Over Troubled WatersGED Plus at ESACThe Log School (FDNH)Young Adult GED (Crittenton)Pa’lante GED (El Centro)Boston Asian YESNotre Dame Education Center

Career Exploration

YouthBuild Boston - Building Trades

Sociedad Latina - Health Careers, Community Organizing, Music

Hyde Square Task Force - Health Careers, Community Organizing, Dance

Hull Lifesaving Museum - Maritime Apprenticeship Program

ABCD Career Explorations - Building Trades, Biotech, Facilities Maintenance, Auto Repair, Financial Services, Early Childhood Education, Multimedia Technology

How we serve youth

Committed to a personalized approach and intensive, long-term case management based on the needs of individual youth. Individualized services, goal setting,

assessments of academic, work-readiness and support services needs.

A proactive referral system Support and follow-up

Value of collaboration

More effectively serve youth and assure access to diverse range of programs.

More effectively collaborate with key partners – Boston Public Schools, City of Boston, Private Industry Council.

Memorandum of Understanding

Prioritize referrals among members. Share relevant client information. Utilize the web-based referral system. Regularly attend network meetings

and participate on a committee. Abide by network standards.

Capacity Building

Community website – www.bysn.org

Learning Disabilities project

Network data initiative

Network Data Profile (FY07)Gender School Status

Male: 48% In School: 36%

Female: 52% Out of School: 64%

Risk Factors of Program Participants

Risk Factors % of Youth

Homeless/ Runaway 15%

Pregnant or Parenting 22%

English Language Learner 26%

Court Involved 44%

Below 9th Grade English 54%

Single Parent Household 55%

Below 9th Grade Math 64%

Low Income 87%

2% 5% 7%

29%

58%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

Asian Multiracial White Latino Black

Boston Public Schools BYSN Programs

Race/ Ethnicity comparison of youth participants

(average across network programs)

Youth Voice

Video