New Directions for Youth (NDY) Community Technology Center (CTC) 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 New Directions for Youth (NDY) will enhance their Community Technology Center (CTC), which provides intensive computer literacy, technology training, and computer access to at-risk-youth and their families. TThe goal of the CTC is to bridge the gap between those with access to technology and those without, as well as to provide computers with Internet access. NDY plans to offer this technology training to 150 additional youth and families, with the primary target population being youth who have been identified as at-risk of gang affiliation, substance abuse, school failure, physical and/or sexual abuse, family dysfunction, pregnancy and/or juvenile delinquency. The goals of this project are to provide instructional services to improve academic performance of participating students and parents throughout the San Fernando Valley; incorporate strategies for improving the academic performance of low-achieving students; provide instruction that is aligned with the high school curricula of the schools in which the students are entering or enrolled; improve literacy of students and families through training and instruction; and provide high quality sustained and intensive professional development for personnel who provide instruction to students. Funds will support curriculum development, staffing, recruiting, and equipment needs for the CTC.

NCA/NCF