At the SPOT Youth Center, 13-24 year olds can obtain services to assist them in developing skills they need to live independent, productive lives (participate in a range of trainings and groups, and receive comprehensive one on one services including medical care). This microproject will allow 1 youth to participate in a 10 week leadership training program at The SPOT. This covers transportation to and from each session, a snack, all necessary materials, space and trainer fees.
In 2012, The SPOT provided 7,139 STD and HIV tests for 13-24 year olds and diagnosed 487 positive results (6.8%). St. Louis continues to rank in the top 5 cities in the United States for rates of STDs and rates are particularly high among youth. A shortage of resources prevents many youth from obtaining information and health related services. Addressing areas of crucial importance to youth, identified by youth, leads to increased knowledge and better decision making.
Youth participating in The SPOT's Leadership Training will learn marketable skills around areas of sexual health and STD prevention, and community activism. Participants will learn strategies to engage and change their communities around issues that are important to them and other youth in St. Louis. Skills learned enable young people to energize and motivate their peers to take care of themselves and make a positive difference.
We will work with 40 youth to develop skills in their chosen area - leadership, public speaking, or visual arts. For participants, the resulting increase in tangible skills is a marketable benefit. Other youth will be positively impacted by new information that they can apply to their lives. Lastly, the larger community will see the power and influence that motivated young people have and the worthy contributions they make to improve St. Louis.
