Chicago Public Schools Network 17 Chief Dr. Myron L. Hester knows firsthand the value of parental involvement in a child’s education. He was the principal at Julian High School for more than two decades and also served as principal of Bowen High School and Kozminski Community Academy.
“In most cases with students with challenges, it’s something at home. Having someone a young person can depend on 24 hours a day, seven days a week, can be transformative,” Dr. Hester said. “Throughout my career, whether serving elementary or high school students, I have consistently prioritized social-emotional learning, family engagement, and wraparound supports for students.”
Dr. Hester was among a group of Chicago leaders recognized at Collaborating for Change: Celebrating 20 Years of Unlocking Positive Futures for Youth and Families in Trouble and Crisis. The June 3 dinner was co-hosted by Youth Advocate Programs (YAP®), Inc. and the University of Chicago Crime and Education Labs. Marking YAP®’s 20th anniversary in Chicago, the event honored young people previously in trouble or in crisis who are turning their lives around. The celebration also recognized YAP®’s Chicago-area government, philanthropic, education, and community partners whose support contributes to the organization’s positive youth and family outcomes.
Founded in 1975, YAP® is a national nonprofit that partners with youth justice, child welfare, and other systems in communities across the U.S. to deliver family-centered, accountability-focused services as an alternative to correctional and residential care facilities. Principles of the nonprofit’s evidence-based alternative-to-placement model are also applied to its work with public safety systems to reduce neighborhood violence.
Ten years ago, YAP® partnered with Brightpoint to launch Choose to Change®, a program funded by philanthropy, Chicago Public Schools, and the City of Chicago Mayor’s Office that serves Chicago students identified as being at the greatest risk for engaging in violence. Choose to Change® combines intensive individual and family wraparound services with weekly specialized psychotherapy for adolescents responding to chronic stress (SPARCS) sessions.
Under Dr. Hester’s leadership, Julian High School was the first Chicago Public School to implement Choose to Change® services.
“Schools have to communicate with family and here we had trusted adults who came in to fill that gap. It worked out beautifully,” Dr. Hester said. “These programs provide far more than an intervention; they provide students and families with trusted adults, positive role models, and consistent support during some of the most challenging times in their lives. As educators, we know schools cannot do this work alone.”
University of Chicago Crime and Education Labs large-scale randomized controlled trial data found Choose to Change® reduces the number of violent arrests and the likelihood of arrest for a violent offense by 47 percent.
“Strong partnerships between schools, families, and community organizations are essential to helping students succeed academically, socially, and emotionally,” Dr. Hester said. “When we talk about challenges facing young people, the solution is not simply responding to problems after they occur. We must continue investing in programs that connect youth with caring adults, mentoring, mental health supports, and positive opportunities.”
Among YAP®’s Chicago community partners recognized at the anniversary event were Bright Star Pastor Chris Harris, New Life Center’s Matt Mateo, and Autry Phillips at Lifeline to Hope, Inc., leaders of community-based organizations that deliver Choose to Change-informed services. Harris expressed his gratitude for YAP®’s two decades of service and made a $15,000 donation to the nonprofit.
“I have seen firsthand the impact that community partners have had on helping students overcome obstacles and realize their potential. Their work strengthens schools, supports families, and ultimately creates safer, healthier communities for our young people,” Dr. Hester said.
YAP®’s decades of service include working with many young people whose histories include serious offenses, multiple arrests, and lengthy out-of-home placements. John Jay College of Criminal Justice research found 86% of YAP®’s youth justice participants remain arrest free, and six – 12 months after completing the program, nearly 90% of the youth still lived in their communities with less than 5% of participants in secure placement. Learn more about YAP® at YAPInc.org.