latin american youth center LAYC youth development latino

Leaders Like Me is a gang prevention program for at-risk youth in Prince George’s County. The program offers in-school classroom instruction for middle school students at Bucklodge Middle School and after-school instruction and recreational activities for high school students at High Point High School and Northwestern High School.

MMYC staff use the Phoenix Curriculum to guide their in-school and after-school workshops, which is designed to increase each youth’s protective factors and decrease risk factors which often lead youth to join gangs.  A large portion of the curriculum focuses on youth identifying and resolving everyday problems in a positive and proactive manner.  Workshops focus on goals, dreams and values; problem solving; risk factors and avoidance skills; peer pressure; gang issues; and bullying.

In addition to using the Phoenix Curriculum, MMYC staff also plan family events and maintain regular contact with parents, such as open houses for parents so they can learn more about MMYC and Leaders Like Me. High school students also get a chance to play soccer together or work on arts projects after school; these positive youth development activities provide a safe place for the youth to be safe, have fun, and practice the leadership skills they are learning in the Phoenix Curriculum.

For more information, contact Luis Quiñones, Afterschool Programs Coordinator.