Lynell Porch

Date of Award

Spring 2021

Degree Type

Capstone

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

College of Education, Doctoral Program

First Advisor

Andrea Kayne, JD

Abstract

African American youth are five times as likely as whites to be detained or committed to youth facilities; 1 out of 10 high school dropouts are institutionalized. $8–21 billion is spent locking up juvenile delinquents. The educational system has failed many African American youth, which can lead them into delinquency. These youth are disregarded in the educational system, placed in overcrowded classrooms, and often dismissed as unable to learn. The results of this are school to prison pipeline. Many youths have learning disabilities that are not addressed by teachers, so youth began acting out. These are acts of attention and frustration lacking reading and comprehending skills, with little to no family support these youth then turn to street gangs to be loved and feel a part of something and make money. Re-entry programs are greatly needed to support youth who have been adjudicated by giving them necessary life skills to survive upon release. Chapter 2 is a proposed re-entry program that gives youth these necessary supports. Chapter 2 has professional counselors to help young African American men to deal with mental, physical or substance abuse as well as trauma and other related issues. A primary goal of Chapter 2 is to decrease the chances of recidivism by helping youth to be the best citizens they can be upon returning to the community. Mixed methods data collection and analysis is recommended to assess the program’s impact and effectiveness.

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