Agents of Change is a six-week program that focuses on civic engagement, grassroots leadership, and meaningful dialogue about race, racism, and structural inequality. Structured as a book club series, the program includes a deep dive into Michelle Alexander’s The New Jim Crow, Nathan McCall’s Make Me Wanna Holla, and Robert Jackson’s Real Men Step Up.

Participants will also consider:

 Advocacy and Activism;

 Class and Gender;

 Vision and Inspiration; and

 Misconception and Stereotypes.

The program consists of literary analysis, instructor-introduced concepts, practical application exercises, and community case studies where participants apply campaigns for advocacy and activism in Indiana.

The target market for this program consists of self-willed middle and high school students who have been identified by school officials and community members as youth in need of additional guidance and structure. The value of this program to the participants and to the community as a whole are:

• Increased civic engagement and critical thinking;

• Clear communications for efficient and effective dialogue on community issues; and

• Leadership development opportunities

A workshop series that teaches participants accountability, conflict, resolution, and how to successfully communicate, gain support through group discussions and trust activities. Groups will meet in a supportive environment twice a week for two months with a counselor. The program, specifically designed for ages 12 to 18, cultivates social skills, offers students a safe space to gain self-awareness and the awareness of others. In the program, students will be facilitated through self- help materials like Nathan McCall’s Make Me Wanna Holla, in an effort to examine and develop personal goals.

A strategic collaboration with the Center for Leadership Development and invites youth, ages 12-18, to develop learning skills and education plans as they work toward high school graduation and prepare for post-secondary education and career success. Students will receive assistance:

Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid Form;

Exploring financial aid opportunities, such as scholarships, Pell Grants, and student loans;

Understanding higher education costs and saving options;

Developing and executing Individual Education Plans; and

Exploring college campus (currently in development).

A counseling series designed to help participants ages 14 to 18 create a five-year life plan and personal board of directors. Students are taught how to select mentors to help guide them along in achieving education, family, and career objectives. MOVE is a twelve-week program that combines instructor-led discussion of personal strategy, financial literacy with group- based presentations. Participants will study material from Invested, a financial literacy guide for students.

A long-term, community-based support group of mentors;

Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) Objectives;

Effective planning tools to develop goals and accountability metrics; and Financial Literacy.

A cognitive-behavioral treatment system that leads to enhanced moral reasoning and better decision making. The MRT program is designed for young adults who have been recommended to participate in the program by the Madison County Juvenile Court Division, churches, families, and other community programs. MRT-Certified Facilitators prepare participants to address a range of issues, including substance abuse, domestic violence, trauma and parenting. The weekly group sessions will provide the community and participants with:

Reduced recidivism rates;

Decreased disciplinary infractions; and

Group support and accountability;