Gaston highlights education, workforce, and youth programming
Gaston highlights education, workforce, and youth programming in detention. She says ACS expanded GED and college options, has 39 students in college, provides tutoring through Children's Village and Youth Justice Network, and offers trades certifications and arts and recreational programs.
Our most important work is giving young people the tools and skills that they need to succeed.
Our focus on youth development includes a combination of services, education, workforce development, arts and music programming, recreation, youth-led cognitive behavior therapy, and mental health services.
ACS has been very intentional in creating an environment that embraces and supports education.
As the population in secure detention is older and includes young people ages 18 to 20 who are not legally required to attend school,
ACS has increased access to high school equivalency options.
Many of our youth in detention who have graduated or received their GEDs are now enrolled in college courses.
Through the Hostos Community College and the Borough of Manhattan Community College.
Earning transferable college credits.
This fall, we have 39 students enrolled in college classes.
Tutoring is beneficial for many, as the youth benefit from individualized academic support,
ACS's contracted workforce partners, the Children's Village, the Youth Justice Network, provide on-site tutoring four days a week for 40 to 50 youth during the school day, after school,
and on holidays.
Tutors work with the same students, building strong relationships that support academic achievements for the young people.
Recognizing the importance of vocational opportunities and their appeal to the young people, ACS has developed workforce partnerships that allow young youth to explore and earn certificates in a variety of trades.
Options include building maintenance programs, paintings, spackling, taping, electrical skills, personal trainer training, culinary arts, entrepreneurship, and small business development,
as well as barbering courses and podcast engineering.
OSHA and HVAC accreditations are also available.
Informed by the input from the youth in our custody, ACS has strengthened programming options both to keep young people engaged and to broaden the depth of their experiences and opportunities for learning.
Programming
places a strong emphasis on leadership development, creative expression, conflict resolution, and healthy decision making.
Current offerings include music production, improv, visual arts, filmmaking, fitness training, yoga,
culinary and hospitality skills, restorative justice and violence interruption services, and therapeutic horticulture.
In addition, ACS's program
Gram counselors provide daily engagement activities.
Youth also engage in culturally responsive, theme-based programming, most recently for Hispanic Heritage Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.
The artwork produced
by young people has been displayed in public art shows in Harlem, the Bronx, and most recently in a gallery in Brooklyn.
We are including some of the postcards featuring the murals created by youth in Crossroads.