Urban Dove HiRisers Program

More about Urban Dove HiRisers Program

Urban Dove recruits academically at-risk teenagers from some of New York City’s poorest communities, and trains them to be sports coaches in a community based after-school program. Teens are trained in the life and job-skills necessary to be a positive, supportive coach to children ages 8 – 12. As “Youth Staff Coaches,” these teens are given ownership of the program and assume the responsibilities of both planning and executing their activities with their teams. Urban Dove’s adult staff acts as role models and coaches for the teens, providing them with the positive, caring relationships that many of the youth lack. As teens develop leadership skills and work with the children, their self-esteem and confidence increase along with their expectations for themselves.

Once Youth Staff Coaches are fully engaged, Urban Dove provides a unique and comprehensive educational curriculum that focuses on the skills and knowledge they need to complete high school, enroll in college and graduate college. This curriculum includes group workshops, one-on-one counseling, parent workshops, college tours, SAT prep, and leadership retreats. Urban Dove alumni who are enrolled in college come back to speak to the teens, share their experience, and answer questions to provide a “real-life” educational component to the program.