Youngins In Progress (YIPs)

“YIP”-Youngins In Progress, originally known as “The Soccer Club” began in October 2021, the first fall students returned to school after the pandemic. The intention was to re-engage the most vulnerable students. The Minnie Howard Counselor and the Family Engagement Social Worker identified 35 Hispanic, male students who were failing the first quarter and had attendance issues. During Lunch and Learn the students were invited to play soccer-the common denominator for each of these students- if their teachers provided positive feedback for the week. In addition to keeping the students in school, their attendance, performance, and behavior all improved. Because of the success during the 2021/2022 school year, “The Soccer Club” expanded in 2022-2023 to include once-a-week after-school tutoring, once-a-week club meetings focused on career exploration and field trips, and several family engagement sessions in the evening. In addition, the club connected with the Alexandria Soccer Association (ASA) to support the weekly soccer game, the Department of Defense to support tutoring and career exploration, and Communities in Schools to continue working with the students as they transitioned to King Street as 10th and 11th graders-currently there are 41 students participating at the upper grades. The soccer program leadership committee has also expanded at the King St. campus to provide ongoing support for the students. The next goal for the program is to create a mentorship program between the older and younger groups. The 2022-2023 9th grade cohort had 42 boys. This year the 2023-2024 9th grade cohort has 52 boys. While soccer is still the common connection and motivation for all the boys, since the club expanded to include academic support, career exploration and mentorship, and family engagement, the boys voted to change the name from “Soccer Club” to “Youngins in Progress” to better capture the program and the work the young men are doing to grow as students and community members. Objectives: 1. Improve Educational Achievement (Tutoring) -Develop self-discipline by completing work assignments and study habits -Improve basic academic skills -Improve educational achievement -Improve Attendance 2. Develop a Positive Character -Develop responsibility and respect -Develop social connections, school engagement, and support -Develop leadership abilities 3. Develop Healthy Lifestyle (Soccer) -Prevent youth from participating in negative activities -Engage in physical activity once a week through soccer 4. Post-secondary and Future Planning -Be knowledgeable about alcohol, drugs, healthy relationships, and mental health. -College and trade school exposure. 5. Parent Engagement -Educate parents on High School expectations -Monthly parent meeting, making one of the meetings mandatory for Soccer Club parents.