Middle School Program
FLY’s Middle School Law Program has two components: an 8- to 12-week Law Related Education (LRE) and life skills course and case management for individual youth.
The LRE course is largely adapted from FLY’s nationally recognized Law Program for high school-aged youth, and takes place at selected middle schools in Santa Clara County. The course uses role-play, debates, and group discussion to capture the interest of middle school-aged youth, educate them about the law and the consequences of crimes, and build skills like anger management, problem solving, communication, and resisting negative peer pressure. Highly trained volunteers and FLY staff teach the course in teams of 1-2, developing rapport with youth and giving them access to positive role models. The course covers a range of topics including theft, vandalism, bullying, drugs and alcohol, decision making, and gangs.
Youth who receive case management services spend time in regular 1-on-1 meetings with a FLY staff member to work on educational and personal goals. (See referral information below.)
HOW TO MAKE A REFERRAL
FLY generally accepts referrals from probation and police officers, and school teachers, counselors, and administrators. To be eligible for law classes, youth must attend a school where the course is offered and be referred. To receive case management services, youth must be identified as truant, at risk of or having been suspended or expelled, involved in the juvenile justice system, or attending a community school. Youth do not have to attend a middle school where we offer the law program
HOW TO VOLUNTEER
Middle School law classes can be taught by community members who receive in-depth training and on-going support from FLY staff. We hope you’ll consider this excellent volunteer opportunity. Volunteers must be a minimum of 21 years old. Download our Middle School Law Program Volunteer Facilitator description and click this link for the application.
CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION
Kris Scott, kris@flyprogram.org, Phone: (408) 887-7809, Fax: 408-263-2631
Middle School Program: By the Numbers
Of youth who completed FLY Middle School Program last year:
- 99% reported FLY gave them access to positive adult role models
- 93% reported they want to make positive changes after being in FLY
- 93% reported they now have hope for their futures
- 92% reported they have more confidence to handle negative peer pressure
- 92% reported after the program they are more likely to make healthy choices
- 89% reported they are less likely to break the law after being in FLY
- 90% of case management youth did not enter the juvenile justice system and 59% increased school engagement
