For many years, the Multicultural Community Service provided innovative programming for youth. Washington, DC youth face a number of challenges common to youth in America’s inner cities, including family poverty, a sense of lack of opportunity or belief in their own ability to succeed, and exposure to violence, drugs and gang activity. The key to success for these at-risk youth is an understanding that they can succeed academically, economically and personally through positive civic engagement.
In response to these challenges, MCS created the Youth Peace Makers Program that was implemented for three consecutive summers in 2007, 2008, and 2009. The purpose of Youth Peace Makers program was to provide youth with an intensive summer experience that:
- Harnessed their energy, idealism and creativity.
- Provided personal growth activities and forums.
- Cultivated a sense of belonging to their community through civic engagement projects.
- Provided college counseling aimed at renewing their commitment to attaining basic schools and focusing on academic achievement.
Lack of resources caused MCS to suspend the program, which it hopes to re-launch when funding becomes available.