Community Budget Issue Requests - Tracking Id #900FY0102

PRODIGY Program

Requester:

William Bowman

Organization:

Bay Area Youth Services

Project Title:

PRODIGY Program

Date Submitted:

1/17/2002 4:23:04 PM

Sponsors:

Victor Crist

Statewide Interest:

This is year 3 of a 3 year pilot project serving as a model program for statwide implemtation.

Recipient:

Bay Area Youth Services

Contact:

William Bowman

5118 N. 56th St., Ste. 206

Contact Phone:

(136) 288-9891 209

Tampa, FL 33610

Counties:

Hillsborough

Gov't Entity:

Private Organization (Profit/Not for Profit):

Yes

Project Description:

The PRODIGY Program is a multi-agency collaboration that provides cultural arts to at-risk youth in our target community. This is the third year of a three-year demonstration project. The PRODIGY Program serves to demonstrate the effectiveness of cultural arts programming among youth ages 7-17 who are at-risk of entering or re-entering the juvenile justice system. The program combines prevention, diversion and intervention components that will greatly enhance and expand the capabilites of a diverse and very experianced coalition in order to reduce high levels of juvenile-based crime. A common theme of all program-based activities is to develop and promote teamwork and self-esteem among the children particiapting while fostering a sense of community. The exposure to the creative and performing arts provides program participants with the opportunity for a form of expression that is positive and does not promote destructive or violent behavior.

Measurable Outcome Anticipated:

The goal of the program is to provide a positive benfit for our target population's at-risk youth through coupling holistic case management services with participation in the arts as a means for personal expression. The PRODIGY Program's impact on the individual and community will be measured through: Qualitative Observations: A) the development of personal responsibility, values and moral character in youth and their families; B) development of personal and potential vocational skills through participation in the program; C) a greater understanding and respect for individual, family and community heritage. Quantifiable Measures: A) 80% of youth shall remain crime free six months after the release from the diversion component of the PRODIGY Program; B) 80% of youth enrolled in the program shall not be arrested during non-school hours while participating in the diversion component of the PRODIGY Program; C) 80% of youth enrolled in the program shall not be arrested for crimes involving violence while participating in the diversion component of the PRODIGY Program; D) 75% of all PRODIGY Program diversion component participants shall successfully complete the program; E) 65% of the youth successfully completing the diversion component requirements shall exhibit a decrease in truancy and school behavior problems.

Amount requested from the State for this project this year:

$599,780

Total cost of the project:

$841,780

Request has been made to fund:

Construction

What type of match exists for this project?

Local, Private

Cash Amount:

$242,000

Was this project previously funded by the State?

Yes

Fiscal Year:

2001-2002

Amount:

$599,780

Is future-year funding likely to be requested?

No

Was this project included in an Agency's Budget Request?

No

Was this project included in the Governor's Recommended Budget?

No

Is there a documented need for this project?

Yes

Documentation:

The growing juvenile crime statistics in Hillsborough County.

Was this project request heard before a publicly noticed meeting of a body of elected officials (municipal, county, or state)?

Yes

Hearing Body:

Hillsborough County Legislative Delegation

Meeting Date:

10/19/2001