Schools across the country are increasingly adopting comprehensive approaches to positive youth development. This leads to stronger and more healthy youth. Studies show that these programs improve academic achievement, reduce problem behavior, and encourage pro-social behavior. Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has noticed the positive effect of life skills programs in the classroom.
Lions Clubs International Foundation has entered selected CPS schools to introduce Lions Quest as a positive youth program. This is part of a larger movement to increase students’ emotional and social skills. Lions Quest now has more than 10 schools in CPS. The program is receiving support and recognition for expansion.
Bank of America was attracted to the positive program’s presence in CPS, and gave a $10,000 grant for Lions Quest by its Chicago division.
“Youth in Chicago are some of the most at-risk in the U.S.,”Al Brandel, Chairperson, Lions Clubs International Foundation “But the Lions Quest program aims to provide these youth with the life skills they need to develop into healthy adults and build stronger communities.”
The Bank of America grant provided funding for the Lions Quest program at Edward Tilden Career Community Academy. “Skills for Action”Program. Tilden is a high school in Chicago’s south with 1,350 students. The drop-out and graduation rates are high and the majority of students hail from low-income households. Tilden, Chicago Public Schools, received 36 teachers and 500 students were provided with curriculum materials.
The program’s success is dependent on the effectiveness of teacher training. Through engaging and informative workshops, teachers can become experts in the content and implement the program to meet the needs of their class.
Students benefit from a holistic approach to education by implementing positive youth development programs at schools. This not only strengthens the classroom but also strengthens society in general.
For more information, please visit www.lions-quest.org.
