Mentoring At-Risk Youth Through Scuba Diving

Summary

Teenagers are destined to be tomorrow’s parents, teachers, and leaders. Lacking positive adult guidance, misguided teenagers can negatively impact the lives of all of us, both socially & financially.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

The S.T.A.R.S. International program literally dives deep to divert lives of at-risk youth using scuba certification as a reward for youth achieving positive changes in their lives. This unique program targets benefiting teenagers during pivotal maturing years when positive influence can best strengthen and mold personal character. The program and staff serve as a catalyst to foster family, school, and community collaboration to strategically introduce participants to long-term goals.

How will this project solve this problem?

S.T.A.R.S. International encompasses an eighteen month (440 hour) curriculum spanning two academic years. The first 9 months of the program target development of the candidate’s diving skills, fitness level, and social interaction.

Potential Long Term Impact

Keep at-risk students in school, improve grades, mentor kids away from gangs, violence, and controled substances. Provide a reason to have 100% perfect attendance, improved behavior, greater self confidence, a mature outlook, and continuing ed.

Project Message

You cannot determine what is possible until you attempt the impossible
- unknown, unknown

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a Microsoft Word file (projdoc.doc).

Resources