South Shore Drill Team & Performing Arts Ensemble

At risk youth: Approximately 85% of members come from inner city neighborhoods where they are likely to encounter gangs and drugs on a daily basis. This program is geared to reducing negative influences and teaching youth who have gotten into trouble at school or in the neighborhood to take responsibility for their actions. The team assists students with tutoring and offers a computer lab for homework. Team, staff, and members monitor grades and attendance and offer information about college and financial aid. Since all members must be students in good standing, those who are at risk for dropping out receive help to keep them in school. The team has a 99.5% graduation rate of it's members and most attend college.

Employment Training: High school and college age members instruct the younger children under adult supervision. The team's assistant instructors learn job-readiness skills. How to work with children, complete paperwork, and be responsible. The stipends paid, while small, are often critical to helping first generation college students pay for books and tuition.