of Decatur, IL has operated after-school and summer programs designed to address the needs of a target population that has frequently exhibited disproportionally high rates of school dropout and, subsequently, behaviors and choices that reflect a non-mainstream way of life. Homework Hangout provides academic, vocational, life skills, recreational, and social programming wherein we deliver consiste
nt, positive outcomes to over 300 youth each year. Some of our major program accomplishments include:
• A 100% graduation rate among its twelfth-grade participants.
• Our youth have raised their Grade Point Average (GPA) from a 1.15 to 3.01 on a 4.0 scale.
• Our youth reduced their rate of unexcused absences and suspensions from school by 78.2%.
• Our program hosts a Summer Youth Employment Program for 200 youth and young adults.
• Our program designed and implemented a vocational training curriculum.
• Our program started an on-campus tutoring program where youth went to Millikin University to be tutored four days a week.
• Our youth have traveled to Springfield, Chicago, and throughout Illinois to visit civic institutions, talk to state and federal representatives, and learn about how government works.
• Our youth designed and implemented a community-wide needs assessment survey.
• Our youth designed and acted in public service announcements, broadcast over local networks, to encourage others to raise grades, stop violence, and improve public behaviors.
• Our youth participate in an annual HBCU college tour.
