FUNDED PROGRAMS

The After School Program will provide a variety of high-quality, engaging activities and experiences using research-based strategies that are proven to reduce chronic absenteeism. Students will work on projects that build on work done on previous days and be invited to join clubs that meet on a regular basis, with the goal of presenting or performing at seasonal parent events. In these ways, regular attendance at the program, and therefore at school, will be encouraged and, in fact, driven. Continued access to services such as on-site wellness centers and behavioral health services will serve the whole child and their families.

Teen Court is a "peer court" for first and in some cases 2 nd time misdemeanor and traffic offenders. The program is conducted by volunteer teens who are trained in courtroom protocol, judicial process and the responsibilities of the various court personnel. The teen volunteers, along with a judge and adult volunteer coaches, conduct court hearings for various misdemeanor criminal cases each month. The following offenses will be considered for Teen Court diversion: alcohol citations; disturbing school operations; destruction of property; bullying, misuse of telephone/electronic device; theft; 2 nd degree assault; 4th degree burglary; drug paraphernalia; unauthorized use of a motor vehicle; auto tampering; tobacco citations; disorderly conduct; loitering; trespassing; CDS possession – citation and marijuana only; possession of a deadly weapon (misdemeanor only) Respondents receive sanctions from a jury of their peers that must be completed within a certain time period. In FY21 Chronic Absenteeism was added as an offense by the local school system, these referrals are tried separately from the criminal referrals.

The Transportation Resources Program will identify participants for eligibility in the program on an income based eligibility form. Services that may be provided by the Transportation Resource Program will include but are not limited to; Driver’s Education, car repairs (broken windshields, new tires, minor engine repairs, etc.), tax/tags/title work, insurance lapses 2 months or less, gas voucher, taxi/uber/shared ride vouchers. Other transportation resources may be identified and approved by the Caroline Human Services Council.

The Summer Career Enrichment Program (SCEP) represents a unique public, private partnership with nonprofit, education, business, and community partners. The program was designed to target middle school students and students of color in the rural part of the state of Maryland while exposing them to career options that are high-wage and in high demand. Although the LMB is not funding the after school program itself, the Board chose to fund the non-billable hours. For the summer of 2024, we will enroll and serve 300 students representing the following counties: Dorchester, Talbot, and Caroline. Summer Career Enrichment Program's target population is rising 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th graders. There will be a selection of 8 different tracks: Cyber Security, Media Arts, Chess, Immersion, Presentation/Video Design, Animation, App Development, Robotics, and Drone Technology. A core part of the program is having students to engage in hands-on activities where they learn skills in requirements gathering, working on teams, delivering presentations, strategy, project management, leadership development, and problem solving. The instructors will also incorporate strategies to teach students on how to become an entrepreneur and the requisite skills needed to start a business.