Programs & Services
Educational Programs That Make a Difference
Our comprehensive programs are designed to address the diverse needs of our community, providing opportunities for growth, learning, and development at every stage.
Youth Rites of Passage (Ages 10-13)
A year-long journey of cultural pride, civic awareness, and personal development. Monthly themes and mentorship structure foster leadership and family engagement.
Program Objectives
- Build cultural pride and identity
- Develop civic awareness and responsibility
- Foster leadership skills through mentorship
- Strengthen family engagement and connections
- Create opportunities for personal growth
Program Structure
Participants engage in a structured year-long journey with monthly themed activities, regular mentoring sessions, and family engagement opportunities. The program culminates in a celebration ceremony highlighting participants' achievements and growth.
Enrollment Information
This program is designed specifically for youth ages 10-13. New cohorts begin each September with limited spaces available.
Inquire About Enrollment
Literacy-Rich Homes Campaign
Designed to build joy and access in family literacy. Our campaign includes free books, author events, read-alouds, and digital storytelling—all rooted in cultural relevance and celebrating diverse voices.
Key Initiatives
- Free book distribution to families
- Author events and virtual readings
- Parent workshops on family reading time
- Digital storytelling resources and training
- Culturally relevant literature selections
Program Impact
Through these initiatives, families develop stronger reading habits at home, children gain greater access to diverse literature, and communities build a culture that celebrates literacy and storytelling.
Program Details
Activities run throughout the year with special events during school breaks. Book distributions occur quarterly, and digital resources are available to all participating families.
Join Our Literacy Campaign
Parent-Educator Leadership Dialogues
Our Parent-Educator Leadership Dialogues create collaborative spaces where parents, teachers, administrators, and community leaders can engage in meaningful conversations about educational challenges and opportunities. These structured dialogues build bridges between home and school environments.
Dialogue Topics
- Effective home-school communication strategies
- Supporting diverse learning needs and styles
- Creating culturally responsive educational environments
- Addressing community-specific educational challenges
- Developing shared leadership in educational settings
Program Format
Dialogues are facilitated by trained moderators who create safe spaces for honest, productive conversations. Sessions include targeted discussion topics, collaborative problem-solving activities, and action planning for implementation.
Participation Information
Dialogues are held monthly during the school year, with special intensive workshops offered during summer months. All community members with interest in education are welcome.
Join the Conversation
Evaluation & Measurement
We are committed to measuring the effectiveness of our programs and continuously improving our approaches. Our evaluation framework helps ensure that we're making meaningful impact and using resources efficiently to serve our community.
Assessment Methods
- Pre and post program surveys to measure growth
- Qualitative feedback from participants and stakeholders
- Academic performance tracking for educational programs
- Long-term outcome monitoring for program alumni
- Community impact assessments
Data-Driven Improvement
Evaluation results directly inform program adjustments and developments, ensuring we're responsive to community needs and maximizing positive outcomes for participants.
Transparency Commitment
We share evaluation results with stakeholders and the broader community through annual impact reports and community presentations.
View Our Impact Reports
Upcoming Program Calendar
Join us for these upcoming program activities and events.
Youth Rites of Passage: New Cohort Orientation
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Center Location (TBA)
Introductory session for new participants and their families. Learn about program structure, expectations, and upcoming activities.
Parent-Educator Dialogue: Supporting Academic Success
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Community Library (Ashtabula)
Collaborative discussion on strategies for supporting student achievement, featuring guest speakers from local schools.
Exposure Program: College Campus Visit
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Kent State University
Day trip to explore campus life, meet with admissions representatives, and learn about program offerings. Transportation provided.
Community Service Project: Earth Day Initiative
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Ashtabula Community Park
Youth program participants lead community clean-up and environmental education activities. All ages welcome to participate.
Success Stories
See how our programs have made a difference in the lives of participants.
"The Youth Rites of Passage program helped me discover my potential and build confidence I never knew I had. The mentors showed me how to set goals and work toward them, which has made all the difference in my academic journey."
"As an educator, the Parent-Educator Dialogues have transformed how I approach family engagement. These conversations have helped me better understand family perspectives and create more inclusive classroom practices."
Ready to Get Involved?
Whether you want to participate in a program, volunteer as a mentor, or support our work through donations, there's a place for you at CJ PRENTISS Education Resource Center.