$25M Grant to Enhance Chicago School Violence Prevention

CHICAGO—The City of Chicago has vowed to spend $25 million in federal stimulus funds to expand the scope of three school violence prevention programs.

As much as $10 million will go towards a mentoring program for 1,500 high-risk students at 13 high schools, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Mentors from 20 community organizations will be available to students 24 hours a day to place the at-risk students in jobs and other constructive activities. Additionally, mentors will line up tutoring and social services for students.

An additional $10 million will be sent at 38 high-risk high schools, which will help educate students on behavioral management, leadership training and conflict resolutions. So far, a total of six schools have already piloted the program with decent results. Attendance has increased 6 percent; behavioral violations dropped 68 percent; there were 13 percent fewer D’s and F’s; and 31 percent fewer students were shot.

The remaining funds will be geared towards a community watch program at 13 high schools identified as having high crime and active gang conflicts by the Chicago Police Department.

Twenty to 30 monitors per neighborhood will be assigned to chosen safety routes during arrival and dismissal times. The will communicate with police and school officials using two-way radios.

For additional information, click here.

 

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