Urban Dreams Youth Development Program

CONTACT:

895 Blue Hill Ave.
Dorchester, MA 02124
617-436-7448

Roosevelt Smith, Executive Director

DESCRIPTION:

There are after-school programs, and then there are model after school programs! Urban Dreams (UD) is a model after school program, and then some! Originally founded as the Mo Vaughn Youth Development Program in 1994, with the departure of Mr. Vaughn (formerly of the Red Sox), it has evolved into a program that offers kids a structured, innovative and long-term oasis and educational program. Serving an often underserved group--good kids from underserved communities who are not yet high achievers, but also not caught up in deviant behavior, i.e. kids who are looking for direction, UD takes 65 kids each year from Roxbury, Dorchester and Mattapan and offers them a slew of opportunities. It offers academic preparation; social and life skills education; leadership and self-awareness opportunities and Job/Career Development. Its latest venture, “The Drivers Education Project” grew out of the results of a recent research study, “After School Programs in Boston--What Young People Think and Want.” One of the key findings from this report indicates that youth want to learn Drivers Education, which is not offered in Boston Public School so students must seek private lessons that are often unaffordable. A group of kids will complete financial literacy and entrepreneurship training and then develop the Drivers Education Project including marketing, creating a business plan, administration, customer operations and quality control components. Partnering with the MA State Police, the project will offer then affordable driving lessons. It is a good idea, fills a need, and teaches the kids valuable lessons. What more could you want?

(2003: HUMAN SERVICES: Children and Youth: General)