In the words of our students
"It has helped me raise my grades, get through personal problems and communicate with people I care about."
Student, Sealth High School

"I had a lot of support from everyone and that really helped me with my goal and I accomplished it. I'm graduating!"
Student, Sealth High School

"... gave me more courage and strength."
Student, Sealth High School

"It's nice to have a second family to back you up."
Student, Sealth High School

"I learned how to set goals and reach them, deal with frustration, bring light into a dark situation and make a way out of no way."
Student, Cleveland High School

"It has given me the tools to succeed in life and to notice the habits that are harmful to my future."
Student, Sealth High School

"Steps Ahead helped me set and achieve goals. It has taught me to have control over myself and not others. Also, the program has brought a great new friend to talk to.
Student, Cleveland, High School

"... taught me there was more to life."
Student, Cleveland High School

"It has helped me to believe in myself and be able to accomplish anything."
Student, Rainier Beach High School

"... helped me with things I didn't think I could do."
Student, Rainier Beach High School

"It made me feel like someone, let me know people do care."
Student, Cleveland High School

"It helped me want to meet my goals and get something later on in life and made me step-out of my shell."
Student, Rainier Beach High School

"It was a good place where you have people who you know care and you know you can go to."
Student, Cleveland High School

"This program changed my life. I wouldn't be where I am today had it not been for this program."
Former Community for Youth student, 1993-97; returned to be a mentor 2001

"... made me think differently about myself and others."
Student, Rainier Beach High School

What makes Community for Youth unique:

• We build a community of support for students and mentors
• We teach and instill core concepts focused on personal growth and accountability
• Students and mentors are involved in the selection of their match
• We place a strong emphasis on mentor training and support
• We place a staff member in each of our schools during the school day.

• 90 - 100% of students in our programs stay in school (compared to 78% of Seattle Public High School students)
  
  
• 90%+ of those students who stay in our programs graduate from high school (compared to 58.9% of Seattle Public High School students)
  
  
• 83% of our students positively changed their behavior and/or achieved their goal
  
  
• 93% of our students reported that they benefited from our program
  
  
• 86% believe they gained a sense of personal accountability
  
  
• 97% feel connected to the community