Bridging the School-Community Gap

Abstract

Current studies note that inner city youth face challenging issues which include - violence, drugs, death, poverty, crime, teenage pregnancy, and homelessness. Under these very real circumstances, the value of connecting the school and the community to support and develop urban or at-risk students is inestimable. This thesis project examines what community services are available to urban students and their families, and the best means to make them aware of and participate in these services. It argues the theory that students need to be engaged in positive relationships and experiences both in school and in the community. The literature review explores existing service programs, Resolving Conflict Creatively Program (RCCP) and Strategic Home Intervention and Early Leadership Development (SHIELD), among several others, reflecting on their approach and success rates. A random-sample survey was conducted with urban high school students, their parents, and any community members (teachers, secretaries, mental health workers, custodians, service providers, etc.) who had experience working with the students. Survey response data affirms the importance of “bridging the gap” between school and community in order to realize more positive outcomes and success for urban students.