The Unity Project Answer

The Unity Project is a Resilience Learning System that works with networks of after school programs.  The Unity Project provides:

• Programming to after school services.  Our model is more like “Microsoft” rather than “IBM.”  That is, we are interested in providing quality programming to existing after school services rather than creating the costly infrastructure needed to start new after school programs.  In this way, we can reach many more students in need while allowing for local programs to adapt our materials to local needs.  The cost savings in dollars per student served are extraordinary.

• Training to staff of existing networks of after school programs as well as creating and training new Unity Project affiliates.

• Web Based Learning Community.  This web site will reinforce the learning of individual students and their group and link them to like minded students and groups around the country.  This will allow best practices to inspire creative growth throughout the Unity Project network.

Using after school programs as a base, the Unity Project creates a “Virtuous Cycle” of skill building supports in key areas of a young persons’ life to strengthen their ability to thrive in the face of life’s challenges.

• According to our pilot research, 90% of the kids involved in our programming have never been involved in after school programming before.  We are reaching the kids most after school programs miss, the kids who are most at risk.  We do this by developing immediate “buy in” of students.

• The Unity Project programming incorporates key evidence based methods and outcomes:
  
  
• A chance to make a difference
• Youth centered and directed service
• Competence building skills
• Opportunities to demonstrate competence
• Recognition of their accomplishments
• Supportive adult involvement
• Peer support
• Links to the larger community
  
  
• The Unity Project system is scaleable to single settings or can be expanded to serve large networks of after school programs.  This flexibility maximizes our ability to serve large numbers of youth.