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CBIRS Request 140
 
Community Budget Issue Requests - Tracking Id #140
PRODIGY Program
 
Requester: William Rowe Organization: University of South Florida
 
Project Title: PRODIGY Program Date Submitted 1/12/2006 10:14:32 AM
 
Sponsors: Crist
 
Statewide Interest:
The PRODIGY Program is serving as a model program for statewide implantation.
 
Recipient: University of South Florida   Contact: William Rowe  
  4202 E. Fowler Avenue   Contact Phone: (813) 974-2706  
  Tampa 33620   Contact email:  
 
Counties: Hillsborough
 
Gov't Entity:   Private Organization (Profit/Not for Profit): Yes
 
Project Description:
The PRODIGY Program is a multi-agency collaboration that uses the visual and performing arts to develop better learning skills and to improve juvenile behavior. 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 capabilities of a diverse and very experienced 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 participating 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.
 
Is this a project related to a federal or state declared disaster? No
 
Measurable Outcome Anticipated:
The goal of the program is to provide a positive benefit 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: $1,200,000
 
Total cost of the project: $2,000,000
 
Request has been made to fund: Operations
 
What type of match exists for this project? Local
  Cash Amount $150,000   In-kind Amount $50,000
 
Was this project previously funded by the state?   Yes
  Fiscal Year: 2002-2003 Amount: $600,000
 
Is future-year funding likely to be requested?   Yes
  Amount: $1,200,000 To Fund: Operations
 
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
  Hearing Meeting Date: 01/07/2006
 
Is this a water project as described in Section 403.885, Laws of Florida?   No