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MISSION OF THE YOUTH PROGRAM

Our mission is to empower refugee and immigrant youth in grades 1 through 12 by equipping them with the skills and tools they need to thrive in their new homes in the United States. To accomplish this, we not only strive to uphold the goals and values of RCAM, but also to:

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  1. Increase the English proficiency of the refugee students

  2. Promote academic achievement and high school completion

  3. Advance the students' full integration into the public schools and community at large

SUMMER PROGRAM

 

The Summer Youth Program program offers both Elementary and Middle/High School students the chance to continue improving their English Literacy Skills outside of school, while also participating in some fun summer activities with their peers. 

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Our Elementary students arrive for classes in the mornings from 9 am – 12 pm, and the Middle and High Schoolers attend afternoon classes 1 pm – 4 pm. Class topics for the students include: summer reading/book club, mathematics, science, visual and performing arts, and mentoring. The classes for the students run from Monday through Thursday.

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Fridays are dedicated to field trips. which provide our students with social enrichment and a chance to participate in hands-on learning out in the community. Trips include visits to cultural, educational, and recreational sites in Boston and on the North Shore. Past field trips have included the Boston Tea Party Museum, Revere Beach, and the Franklin Park Zoo. Our most anticipated annual summer field trips are a day at Canobie Lake Park, and our overnight camping trip which commemorates the end of a wonderful summer vacation.

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

 

During the school year (September through June), students participate in a drop-in after school tutoring program. As a part of this program, students have access to computers, textbooks, and other resources. They are also able to receive academic support with a focus on literacy and comprehension across all subject areas. We work closely with a trained group of volunteer tutors from Gordon College, who come to our program every afternoon to offer their help to our young learners. Program hours are 3 pm – 5 pm Monday through Thursday. During school vacations, there is no regular program. 

 

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STUDENT RECREATION AND MENTORING

 

To truly support our students through their integration into their school and communities, we offer additional recreation and volunteer opportunities, as college, career, and mentoring services: 

 

Winter/February Vacations

 

While we have no regular program, students are able to participate in field trips, workshops, and group activities. Past vacation activities have included: Cultural potluck dinners and a movie at the NAC, arts and crafts projects, guest speakers, as well as trips to go bowling, ice skating, and roller skating.

 

April Vacation & Community Service

 

This week is packed with service-based activities at designated locations in the Greater Lynn Community. Students who fulfill their volunteer hours earn their permission slip to a special trip. In the past, students had earned an overnight trip to Gordon College, where they spent time with their volunteer tutors and had a blast on Gordon's rock climbing wall and ropes course.

 

In past years of volunteering, students have been part of park cleanups, preparing and serving dinner at My Brother's Table (a local soup kitchen), and a clean up the New American Center. By allowing our students to be in a position where they are able to make even a small change, we believe it helps to teach students the power of service and give them a united sense of belonging  and responsibility for their community. 

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Youth Mentoring & Services

 

We also provide all of our students with social-emotional support and aid in building life-skills. Part of our program dynamic is a culture centered around family. After school is not just about academics; it is a time for us to build relationships with our students, and them with their peers and tutors. At our center, students have access to adult mentors  who empower our students everyday. For our older students, we also provide the following services as they move through high school and plan their path to higher education and/or careers:

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  • Employment Training - Just as we train our adults for employment in the United States, we train our youth by helping
    them submit applications, prepare for interviews, and teach them about workplace conduct.

 

  • College Preparation Services - Here, we help students with the application process, accompanying students on college
    tours, and preparing for interviews.  College financial advising is also available, which includes applying for scholarships,
    and filling out financial aid forms.

 

We value our students' education, and we want to make sure that they know that higher education is always achievable.

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The Youth Program now has its own website!

At naclynnyouth.wordpress.com, you can find study materials, program updates, countdown to events, student interviews, and more!

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