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

Students in the Boys and Girls Club’s Teen Outreach Program held a community event at the clubhouse in Lawrenceville. (Courtesy of the Boys and Girls Club) 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
Read More