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Fairfield University
1073 North Benson Road
Fairfield , CT 06824
Phone: (203) 335-6735
Fax: (203) 254-4126
E-mail: lgreiner@mail.fairfield.edu

Title: Youth Power Partnership
Project Director: Lydia Greiner
Project Amount Funded (FY 2006): $245,570
Target Population: African American and Hispanic/Latino Youth, Grades 9-12

The goal of the Youth Power Partnership is to provide a cohort of 50 youth attending Bassick High School with the skills necessary to avoid engaging in risky behaviors. Through partnerships with Bassick High School, FSW Inc., and Matrix Public Health Consultants, Inc., Fairfield University implements a comprehensive approach to address risky behaviors (violence, substance use and sexual activity) among youth participating in the program. Activities are conducted at the youth center at FSW Inc. after school from Monday through Thursday and on Saturdays. A three-week summer program is conducted on the Fairfield University campus. The primary focus of the academic enrichment component of the program is after school tutoring, which provides reinforcement of classroom content, study skills enhancement, test preparation, and time management skills. Exploratory modules are also offered to expose students to topics outside of the usual school curriculum (art music dance, theater, scientific investigation), and to enhance skills required for academic success. The personal development and wellness component consists of workshops which provide information on a variety of topics designed to foster choices for a healthier lifestyle, such as: violence, substance use, sexual activity, weight management, nutrition, stress management, smoking cessation, and conflict resolution. On Saturdays, students plan, organize, advertise, and implement group service projects in the Bridgeport community. To address the lack of physical activity, the cohort also utilizes Saturdays to train the youth group for participation in the New York Marathon. As part of the cultural enrichment component, “Culture Sharing Nights” are conducted for participants and their family members to engage in exploration of their own cultures. Field trips to museums and cultural events also promote an increased understanding of other cultures in the U.S. Career development workshops focus initially on the identification of participants' interests, and then shifts to development of interpersonal skills, appropriate school and workplace behaviors, and knowledge and appreciation of diversity. Through career fairs, small group discussions with University students, and presentations by speakers representing different careers, participants are exposed to a variety of career possibilities. The on-campus summer program offers participants choices of learning experiences in the areas of: an ensemble theater workshop entitled Shakespeare Ventures; New Media, a workshop on television production; Robotics workshop; and a Health and Science workshop which focuses on health careers. Up to 50 undergraduate mentors provide one-on-one or small group tutoring, lead exploratory modules, and serve as mentors for participants in all aspects of the program.

Click here for a listing of all FY 2006-2008 grantees