The Youth Project

Choosing Sides

The Choosing Sides Program grew out of both our successful experience working with community youth and parents, as well as the recognition of a mounting crisis of violence among our youth. It is a comprehensive approach to teen violence that grapples with the intersectional challenges- age, race, education, and socioeconomic status- faced by today’s youth. The major goal of the program is to empower young people with the skills and resources needed to overcome the difficulties that often lead to violence. Prevention strategies are coordinated in a partnership context, which includes young people, community organizations, parents, mentors and volunteers.

Empowerment through Dance

“Empowerment Through Dance” encourages students to, individually and collectively explore their world and discover new ways of moving through it. Each class experience focuses on promoting individual expression along with introductory technical development, thereby increasing esteem and confidence. Students are exposed to diverse music and dance styles including, African, Latin, Jazz, and Hip-Hop.

Cookies and Milk

In the spirit of the African Griot, the “Cookies and Milk” series is designed to explore cultural multiplicity, increase literacy in the home, and promote communal connection across boundaries of race, class, gender and age. This series is firmly rooted in its commitment to family and community development. Each session brings families and individuals together to listen, share stories creating literacy networks that celebrate diversity.