The Black Emerging Adolescent Males (BEAM) Project https://grants.dudleytdoughertyfoundation.org/proposals-2017/the-black-emerging-adolescent-males-beam-project https://grants.dudleytdoughertyfoundation.org/@@site-logo/sitelogo-75x75.png

The Black Emerging Adolescent Males (BEAM) Project

Additional Information
Used for	B.E.A.M. provides educational, cultural, spiritual, and community based intervention and prevention services aimed at drawing upon extended opportunities and resources to critically think, plan and utilize existing available resources in addressing young black males' issues. The B.E.A.M. Project activity seeks to reduce the disproportionate number of black adolescent males who are represented in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems, as well as, the school push-out statistics (i.e. dropout rate, suspensions, detentions, specialized remedial education programs, and school code violations). B.E.A.M. empowers young males with coordinated school and community resources that yield changes in character, academic achievement, lifestyle, behavior and attitudes and health.
Benefits	Providing these young men an opportunity through the B.E.A.M. Project allows them to then go into their surrounding communities ready and able to take on the challenges of their culture. Preparing and empowering the young people of their communities is the best way to make a lasting and permanent change.
Proposal Description	BEAM: Black Emerging Adolescent Males Concept Executive Summary Adolescent black males in contemporary American society face major challenges to their psychological development and well-being. B.E.A.M. builds collaborations with the juvenile justice, child welfare, and school and community resources to divert youth who are at-risk and or troubled from poor academic performance, truancy, suspension, expulsion, arrest, incarceration and out-of-home placement. In addition to dealing with the physical, mental, and emotional issues typically experienced during adolescence, black adolescent males are confronted with unique social and environmental stressors. They must cope with racism and its associated stressors, family stressors, educational stressors, and urban stressors. Adolescence is a time of great change and transition, when youth experience physical, mental, and emotional changes. These changes leave adolescents particularly vulnerable to mental health problems such as depression, suicidal thoughts, and anxiety disorders; especially if the adolescent has a family history consisting of mental illness. B.E.A.M. provides educational, cultural, spiritual, and community based intervention and prevention services aimed at drawing upon extended opportunities and resources to critically think, plan and utilize existing available resources in addressing their issues. The B.E.A.M. Project activity seeks to reduce the disproportionate number of black adolescent males who are represented in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems, as well as, the school push-out statistics (i.e. dropout rate, suspensions, detentions, specialized remedial education programs, and school code violations). Black Americans make up less than 12% of the total population in Allegheny County (2010 U.S. Census). However, young black males make up over 50% of the child welfare system, juvenile justice system, mental health system, and special education system in Allegheny County. B.E.A.M advocates for educational and social justice critically utilizing in practice the techniques and strategies that help black adolescent males impact their own aspirations for life successes. The achievement gaps that exist today are an affront to a society committed to equal educational and social opportunity and are a drag on the nation’s economy, prosperity and competitiveness. The large gap between black males and others exists before these children even start school and continues throughout their lifespan. The problem of black male achievement seems intractable and this is due to failing them more than any other racial or ethnic group. The average black male achievement falls far below that of Caucasians and Asians. Only 12 percent of black fourth grade boys are proficient in reading; compared to 38 percent of Caucasians. Only 12 percent of black eighth grade boys are proficient in math; compared to 44 percent of Caucasians. By fourth grade, black students may be three full years behind their peers. If we allow this underclass to grow, our society is at risk of major failure. This is not just an educational problem, but one that socially will impact us for a long time. Short & Long Term Goals • 100% of families referred will be offered assistance with the healing process either spiritually or culturally • Partner with community assets who are investing in the strengths of the community for the creation of public investment. • Critique research so we do not ignore real educational and social challenges. • Commit to serve children and families by implementing strategies aimed at prevention. • Pledge to respect and embrace black adolescent males and their culture, as we engage in community partnerships that have typically been voided of systems that benefit or empower adolescent black men. • Acknowledge the systemic nature of poverty and oppression. • Engage the community within and beyond schools to support economically diverse students in their daily and long term educational and social pursuits. • Create a social movement that is inclusive, informed by integrated social policy, and places education at the center of our collective efforts. • Maximize the research potential of B.E.A.M. • All students will become Pittsburgh “PROMISE READY”: a full ride scholarship given to young people that graduate and complete their education through the Pittsburgh Public Schools. Methods: BEAM participants spend time with a Youth Coach who provides group facilitation and one-on-one community coaching. These Youth Coaches are respected adults from various surrounding communities. The adolescents are given the opportunity to utilize underdeveloped skills and share thoughts, communicate feelings, and express concerns in the group and one-on-one sessions. This preparation provides culturally based intervention, prevention and alternative supportive services through the act of mentorship, tutoring, and counseling to improve the quality of life for and assure our adolescents are working toward their goals outlined on their Life-Learning Success Plan. The B.E.A.M. Project identifies and collaborates with community based partners, faith-based institutions, businesses and other supportive resources that can provide on-going connected services. This requested grant of $5,000 would provide supplies necessary for working with these young men such as school supplies, snacks, a new projector, and admissions fees for visiting local arts and cultural centers that explore the young men's culture and also expose them to other cultures.