Programming

Education

Helping high-risk young people to re-engage with education is particularly challenging as many of them have experienced low to minimal educational success, less than basic literacy, and have had historically negative experiences with education systems. To address this, Roca works with area school systems to help young people stay in school and graduate, operates out-of-school and adult education programs, and has implemented an innovative “alternative” adult education model specifically designed to re-engage young people.

Roca’s educational programming for in school youth is focused on achievement and building literacy in all disciplines including mathematics, science, humanities and language arts. Through a “reading apprenticeship” model, students become masters of various strategies for reading and comprehension. Also, to improve Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) scores, Roca utilizes a computer-based MCAS program to cover materials for the 10th grade MCAS test. Roca has developed a solid academic curriculum that supports and reinforces the course material and MCAS requirements for high school graduation. Roca works with the high school to provide classes, activities, and experiential interactive hands-on activities that are aligned with the schools while taking into account the individual learning styles and needs of each student. Youth workers also reach out to young people in the morning, taking them to school if necessary, and monitoring school attendance. Additionally, Roca provides post secondary planning and tracking to assist young people in moving toward long-term self- sufficiency.

For more information for educational programs for young people and young adults contact Joey Kotright-Clark, Director of Education and Employment, at (617) 889-5210 Ext. 266 or Joey_Kotright@rocainc.com.