Access Inc

Suspension prevention (restorative justice): access youth's restorative justice in schools program, initiated in 2012, in partnership with dc public schools (dcps), provides mediation and restorative interventions as alternatives to suspension for students struggling with interpersonal conflict and other behavioral concerns. Ayi's program managers work full-time in its partner schools to conduct mediation sessions with students, identify their concerns, and develop a plan to move forward constructively. Students receive support from ayi's full-time, on-site program managers who implement its four-pronged program model. The program prevents unnecessary suspensions, generates improved pro-social behavior, and enables students to stay engaged in school.

Other program services: access youth offers additional services and programs as a complement to its core programming (all other program services). This includes our roadmap life skills programming, which delivers weekly sessions focused on building emotional intelligence and key skills students need to succeed in school and beyond. In addition, m.a.d.e. (my attitude determines everything) is ayi's highly lauded program for young female students struggling with behavior issues. M.a.d.e. Consists of weekly sessions for students focused on building a sense of sisterhood, through a trauma-informed lens, that empowers them to become leaders in their school and community. Hundreds of the students in ayi's truancy prevention and restorative justice in schools programs participate in these services each year.