Growing teen outreach program ‘shows the future’ in Western Pa. schools

Trib Live-

Staff at the Lawrenceville-based Boys and Girls Club of Western Pennsylvania say its teen outreach program yielded more positive behaviors among students it serves.

They plan to continue the momentum with additional state funding secured this year. Over the past three years, teens from the seven school districts in the program completed a total of 25,231 service hours. Projects have included launching free resource stores for classmates in need and honoring veterans.

“It’s creating healthier minds for teens who now understand more about themselves, their peers and their community,” said Hersh Merenstein, the club’s senior director of advancement.

The program focuses on social-emotional learning, community service and youth voice, said Marissa Redding, community programs director. Participating schools are The Neighborhood Academy in Pittsburgh and the school districts of Duquesne City, Clairton, Sto-Rox, Aliquippa, Laurel Highlands and Somerset Area. Redding said 950 teens participated in the program last year.

“For the past three years, we’ve focused on working with seventh graders and that middle school age,” Redding said. “We found in talking with our school district partners that the middle school age is where they see students needing mentorship, or support.”

The club reports an increase in teens’ ability and confidence to make healthy decisions after completing the program. According to data provided by the club:

• Students reported an 11.7% gain in their ability to get themselves to relax

• A 10.5% gain in their ability to make their community a better place

• An 8.25% gain in their ability to solve problems

• A 9% gain in their ability to communicate their ideas effectively

Nearly all students felt the program was a safe space to say what they think, and that their community service project made a difference in the lives of others.

“They are now starting to see the benefits of what they are able to do with their community to move that needle forward,” said Kara Petrosky, vice president of programs. “The more we can engage our young people positively with the community, the better impact it has.”

The club’s programming is from Wyman, a St. Louis-based nonprofit. Petrosky said the curriculum is customizable and is tailored to students’ and communities’ needs.

The club plans to bolster the program this school year, with an additional $195,000 over two years from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

“There’s not a lot of opportunity, not a lot of access to resources, and people have their own opinions on the neighborhoods and the folks who live there,” Petrosky said of the communities in the program. “Service learning is a core component to this program because it gets our young people to connect and contribute to their community in a positive and productive way.”

Instructors also see gains in students’ ability to set goals. That has positive effects later in life, Petrosky said.

“It is hard for people to see outside of that space and see that future and see something bigger and brighter for them,” she said. “This aspect, to me, shows that future.”

Anthony Williams, head of school at The Neighborhood Academy, said the program has been fruitful. His students have worked with the club to coordinate a community symposium to discuss societal issues ranging from gun violence, homelessness and mental health and well-being.

“It fosters and promotes opportunities for civic engagement and development of leadership skills,” Williams said. “Being engaged with a local nonprofit, and different people in the community, it helps to develop the skills they need.”

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