Youth Opportunity and Employment Program

The Edward Byrne Memorial Discretionary Grants Program (Byrne Discretionary Program) helps local communities improve the capacity of local justice systems and provides for national support efforts. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 08 Congressional Budget. Funds should be used for purposes recommended by Congress.

The Coalition of Neighborhood Councils (CNC) will reduce youth criminal activity in the community of southeastern San Diego. CNC created the Youth Opportunity and Employment Program (YOEP) to reduce, intervene in, and prevent the rising tide of gang activity in the community. CNC will initially involve youth in attaining their GED or high school diploma. Following the completion of this education enhancement, youths will enter into a work readiness program and become involved in a youth council program. Those youth who are successful in meeting the high, but achievable, expectations set by the YOEP will be assisted with either paid employment or a subsidized internship. CNC's focus is to develop an individualized plan based on each participant's aspirations to map a realistic path to achieving their goals, and also to provide a caring adult in their lives who can advise them along their journey. They will lay a foundation for the future success of these youth and keep them away from criminal activity by directing their focus to more positive goals and activities.

NCA/NCF