OPENING DOORS
Project Promise’s programs are all about opening doors for our at-risk youth in St. Croix, in order to uplift, educate and empower them. Our holistic approach provides many opportunities for positive change, while our nurturing environment provides a safe place in which youth can get the tools and support they need to live healthier, happier and more successful lives.
Programs
Empowered Me
All children can and should be part of life’s “winner’s circle” – and that’s what the Empowered Me program is all about. Empowered Me is a holistic enrichment program designed to empower local youth ages 10 to 18 with the tools and attitudes they need to be winners in life.
WHEN AND WHERE DO THE EMPOWERED ME CLASSES MEET?
Age-specific classes meet on Saturdays at Project Promise’s newly-renovated downtown Christiansted facility, at 10 ABC Queen Street, Christiansted, VI.
WHEN AND WHERE DO THE EMPOWERED ME CLASSES MEET?
Age-specific classes meet on Saturdays at Project Promise’s newly-renovated downtown Christiansted facility, at 10 ABC Queen Street, Christiansted, VI.
WHO CAN ATTEND EMPOWERED ME?
The program is open to ALL area youth.
WHAT DOES IT COST?
Registration is just $25 per student for each 12-week session. All other costs and fees (a total of $240 per child per 12-week session) have been covered by generous donations from Project Promise’s supporters.
IS TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM THE PROJECT PROMISE FACILITY PROVIDED?
No. Families are required to provide their own transportation.
ARE THERE ANY ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS?
Yes. Classes meet every Saturday except holidays, and students must attend at least 9 classes in every 12-week session. After 3 absences, a student is permanently dropped from the program.
REGISTRATION FOR THE SPRING 2023 SESSION IS NOW CLOSED
Ages 10 to 12 will meet from 9:15 am to 10:30 am
Students can choose from the following three options:
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Money Basics – A fun approach to learning about money. Topics include learning what money is, understanding the value of money, tracing your money, and setting financial goals.
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Creative Expression – this component engages participants in the creative process and builds confidence and self-esteem through art. Youth get the opportunity to do something positive with their time and talents and learn how to channel their energies towards a positive outcome.
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My Health & Wellness – If you want to have a healthy, happy life you need to take good care of yourself. This class will focus on some of the ways to do so, including yoga, nutrition, preventative care and more.
Ages 13 to 15 will meet from 11:00 am to 12:15 pm
Students can choose from the following three options:
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Budget & Savings – Success in life is easier when you understand how to manage money. Topics include budgeting and planning (including hands-on practice), spending vs. smart spending, income and borrowing.
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Life Skills – Join us in the kitchen of our beautiful new facility to learn some basic cooking skills. Your family will be impressed with the delicious things you’ll learn to make.
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Cultural Awareness – The Virgin Islands has a rich and exciting culture. Let’s explore it together!
Ages 16 to 18 will meet from 12:45 pm to 2:00 pm
Students can choose from the following three options:
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Money Management - Building good financial habits early can help young people avoid money troubles in the future. Participants will learn about a variety of tools and resources they can apply in order to effectively manage their personal finances and make wise decisions about money.
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Community Service – What is your role in the world? Many believe that one of the purposes of life is to do good for others and the community. In this class students will work together to make a positive impact on the world—and have a great time in the process. (VIRTUAL INSTRUCTION)
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Career Exploration – What are your career interests? What do you want your future to look like? After some group classes, each student will be paired with Viya for a hands-on (paid) internship.
Classes will meet every Saturday starting on April 1st.
Ages 10 to 12
9:15 am to 10:30 am
Money Basics
Creative Expression
My Health Wellness
Ages 13 to 15
11:00 am to 12:15 pm
Budget & Savings
Life Skills
Cultural Awareness
Ages 16 to 18
12:45 pm to 2:00 pm
Money Management
Community Service
Career Exploration
The Caterpillar Project
8 YEARS OF SUPPORT
The Caterpillar Project is a long-term program designed to make a significant difference in the lives of at-risk youth in St. Croix. The Project’s initial pilot group of selected fifth-grade students meet with staffers after school on a daily basis through high school and into college. The Caterpillar Project is a positive “support system” for these youth, and will provide close ties to adults who take a personal interest in their growth and development.
THIS HOLISTIC PROGRAM INCLUDES:
LIFE COACHING
Weekly one-on-one sessions with a trained life coach to build self-esteem, vision, hope and self-worth; and help participants learn how to set and achieve goals. The Life Coaching component promotes personal and social growth, thus helping the youth become more responsible and accountable, and ultimately lead fulfilling and purposeful lives.
MENTORING
Similar to a “Big Brother/Big Sister” program, participants are carefully matched with rigorously screened, trained, and supervised volunteer mentors, who each commit to at least one year of service. Bi-weekly one-on-one meetings and an evidence-based mentoring program provide consistent encouragement and guidance to help youth get and stay on the right path.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Learning to give of yourself to help others is an integral part of the growth process. Participants take part in meaningful projects focused on the revitalization of our community. These projects also function as team-building activities, which foster responsibility and self-esteem, and help youth develop a stronger sense of attachment to our community.
EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTION
Designed to supplement classroom instruction, the Educational Intervention component uses an individualized approach to help students achieve grade-level proficiency in reading and math, approach learning in a different way, and reach their full academic potential overall.
CAREER EXPLORATION
Participants receive support identifying, researching, and exploring their career/vocational interests. The curriculum motivates youth to plan for their future and acquire the skills and credentials needed for career success. Whenever possible, participants are also paired with rigorously-screened volunteers to gain hands-on experience in the field.
PERSONAL WELLNESS
Interactive activities teach participants mindfulness techniques (such as breathing techniques, progressive relaxation, meditation and yoga), how to make good food choices, preventative health information, and more. Ultimately the Personal Wellness component helps strengthen character and self-discipline.
CREATIVE EXPRESSION
Starting with group activities and eventually expanding to activities based on individual student interest, this component engages participants in the creative process and builds confidence and self-esteem through art. Youth get the opportunity to do something positive with their time and talents, and learn how to channel their energies towards a positive outcome.
CULTURAL AWARENESS
Many of our youth know little to nothing about the Virgin Islands’ rich cultural heritage. The Cultural Awareness component uses fun, hands-on activities and numerous field trips to explore St. Croix’s vibrant past. Participants are introduced to the Virgin Islands’ traditional foods, music, dances, natural resources, literature, and history.
FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES
The Family Support component links participants’ parents with needed resources. It also gives parents the tools to effectively communicate with and participate in their children’s lives. To remove barriers to participation, transportation to and from the evening meetings, a healthy meal, and child care for younger children are provided.
YEAR SIX: Partnered with local businesses to provide Internship Opportunities for our Caterpillars.
