Programs & Services

Bruno Mars Education Song

Teon and other Citizens Academy students sing new lyrics to "Grenade" melody.

Growing On (GO) programs have a component that promotes positive changes in youth. GO uses a specific model, along with various methods to reach youth. Some of these methods include the use of wise sayings, the spoken word, music and the arts, individual and/or group counseling sessions, personal and real life experiences, educational enrichment, motivational speakers and role models. The programs created by GO may be presented through workshops, seminars, trainings and one-on-one group sessions as determined by the GO team. Recognizing the differences in youth, each program is uniquely designed with specificity, versatility and creativity.

Youth Program: GO Specialty Gaming

Gaming Objectives
Youth will learn to display good sportsmanship while playing card and board games. Good sportsmanship || Following Multi-Step Directions || Sharing/Working with Others || Manipulating Game Pieces || Analyzing Winning Strategies || Predict Opponents Moves

This program will benefit: Ages 6 & up; individuals who will enjoy playing games, competing and strategizing.

Parenting: Family Roles & Responsibilities

This program will benefit single parents and families who are in need of having someone provide their children with support, guidance and instruction.
This program will benefit: ages 8 & up.

Some of the Workshop Highlights:

Family literacy levels will be raised through thoughtful discussion.
Scholarly information and facilitation will be provided for small/large groups to participate in skits, role-playing and in a presentation of practical application.
There will be specific focus on Family Roles & Responsibilities. Growing On facilitated modules will be provided that will answer questions related to family roles, family ties, the role of literacy and roles vs. responsibilities.

There will be an expectation from the participants to engage in the activities and to express themselves openly.
The goal is to solicit full participation in the exercises and in conclusion, to present a small group skit designed to apply the knowledge gained during the workshop.

Allows creativity and versatility

Performing Arts, Visual Arts and Humanities

GO seeks to provide an annual opportunity for 20-30 at-risk students attending Youth Service Centers with an innovative enrichment program that combines character education with performing arts. This is an after school program with an objective to enrich young minds through the arts.
This program will benefit: Ages 8 & up as well as adults; individuals have an interest in learning how to dance, step, write poetry and learn more about the elements of drama. We will comprise and perform various theatrical productions at neighboring facilities. We will teach young people and adults all aspects of performing from writing scripts to on-stage performance to post-production editing.

Some of the Workshop Highlights:

Participating in enrichment activities to develop self awareness
Team building
Self-esteem building
Building an interest in performing arts
Building consistency with regular daily activities
Drawing focus to current events and related cultural values
Increasing intellectual curiosity
Supporting a long-term learning commitment
Building positive learning development
Exploring the art of various cultural dances

Communication Skills: Building Inter-Personal and & Intra-Personal Communication Skills

This program presents an overview of the various theories and methods of personal and professional communications. Topics include written and oral communication techniques, presentation skills, intercultural communication skills and negotiation skills. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to communicate effectively in personal and professional environments, and be able to manage personal and professional conflicts.

Objective: Students will be introduced to the basic understanding of the importance of communication.
This program will benefit: Ages 15 & up; individuals interested in knowing how different types of communication play a role in daily life.

Some of the Workshop Highlights:
Learning the importance of:
• Fascics
• Body Synchrony
• Gestics
• Gusturics
• Olfacics
• Ocalics
• Pupilometrics
• Paravocalics
• Haptics
• Gestures

Discussions:
• Intra-personal & Inter-personal Communication
• Drama Activities and Exercises
• Discussion of props used in a play
• Emotions Demo and Activities

Course Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
• Identify instances of nonverbal communication.
• Demonstrate the communication process.
• Demonstrate intrapersonal and interpersonal communication.
• Demonstrate effective listening skills.
• Research, compose and deliver oral presentations.

Early Reading Program

Children Learn What They Live

If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.
If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.
If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance, they learn patience.
If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.
If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.
If children live with sharing, they learn generosity.
If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
If children live with fairness, they learn justice.
If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about them.
If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.