Jacob Riis has found that the after-school program is not meeting all the needs of its male middle-school participants. The boys need a safe space and trusted person to talk with about sensitive issues such as bullying, self-esteem, and sex/gender roles. Jacob Riis plans to create a specific component of the after-school program to serve 60 middle-school boys across its 3 campuses. It will hire a Health Educator/Technology Specialist, who will be in charge of the new component, which will include health and sexuality workshops, literacy training, blogging, and related staff development.
Jacob Riis Neighborhood Settlement House wants to improve its Riis Academy After-School program, which serves over 1,000 boys and girls from western Queens and focuses on academic enrichment, life skills, health and wellness, and civic engagement.
