CURRICULUM STRUCTURE

This curriculum has been developed to give social awareness to Black boys and focusing on traditionally low performing subject areas. The Curriculum is arranged into eight building blocks. All blocks are followed by lessons reinforcing; writing/reading/math, field trips and motivational speakers. Each block has a description, and goal(s). AJFY uses the spiral curriculum approach applying one block per semester.

1) Building a Foundation for Success: This block will focus on the key areas of being a positive productive young man. The areas addressed are; Stereotypes, Image, Communication, Decision Making, Peer Association and Resume Building. The first goal is to instill these fundamental components for success. The next will be to develop positive patterns and self-awareness.

2) Overcoming Obstacles: This block will focus on the needed attributes important to individuals who are successful by society standards. This includes; Drive, Stamina, Success, Reaching Out to Others, Positive Attitude and Planning on Paper. The goal of this block is to help equip the young men with essential characteristics, which will get them through and prosper during UN-ideal moments in life.

3) Relationships/Drugs & Gangs: This block will focus on how the associations Black boys make will affect their future. The subjects talked about will be Sexual activity, STD’s, Drugs, Death, Jail, and Fatherhood. The goal of this block is to show the reality of negative and positive relationships and what can be done to prevent unfavorable situations.

4) Effective Communication: This block will focus on how to be the “best” communicator possible. Topics that will be discussed are; Tone, Speaking Clear, Correct Vocabulary, Body Language, Approach, Presentation Skills, Eye Contact. The goal of this block is to describe and show weak communication to then teach strong communication skills, so they can begin displaying them.

5) Productivity: This block will focus on how being time productive is essential to attaining goals and long term success. Instructors will demonstrate how productivity is effectiveness and efficiency combined. Lessons that’s implemented are; Goal setting, Time management, Planning and using effective/efficient time. The goal behind this block is to teach students how time management and preparation are essential to; Good grades, Completion of Assignments and Daily Activities.

6) High School Readiness: This block will focus on High school Readiness. Many students enter High school not knowing the importance of good grades. Our objective is to avoid this by having instructor’s carryout lessons on; Study Skills, H.S credit, G.P.A, Scholarship and college credentials. The goal is to place students ahead before entering High school, allowing each student to excel academically.

7) Financial Future: This block will focus on the responsibility of having to great financial future. Topics that will be discussed are; Credit, Scores, Saving, Investing, Interest and Liability vs Assets. Many students have minimum Knowledge on  credit and finances,which results in not being financially prepared for the future.

8) College Readiness: This block will focus on preparing for college and how to be a prosperous student. This will be done by covering subject’s such as; Study skills, FASFA, Tuition, Payment options, Scholarships and Credit hours. The goal of this block is to provide students with enough resources and information to excel academically.

AJFY Program Structure

AJFY Program Structure

Intake

• We'll enroll 15 students, all male.
• Recommendations will be given by partnering foundations, programs, and school districts.
• Students will be acquired by application and personal recommendations.
• Program will run between grades 6-9, with intake starting in 6th grade. Incorporating a flow system.

Program

1. 4 Year Program
2. Volunteers and AJFY members will meet with students 3-5 times a month
3. Classes shall run in two hour sessions on Saturday mornings and / or at a time set during the week.
4. English, Math, and History tutors will be found through local colleges.
5. Technology workshops, science experiments and health / gym programs will be worked in.
6. We'll have a peer mentoring program
7. 5 hours of Community service will be required per semester
8. Motivational speakers will be acquired
9. Career field trips
10. College tours will be given

Follow Up

1. The young men who have completed the program will continue on to partnering programs
2. The young men will be given access to visit and serve the community in the program
3. Frequent communications will be kept with parent(s), teacher(s), and / or dean
4. Follow ups will be given in the form of phone calls, emails, and visits
5. AJFY will help graduates find jobs and / or internships

*The Alanza James Foundation for Youth reserves the right to make any changes deemed necessary to our program structure, with or without notice.



Welcome

Welcome to The Alanza James Foundation for Youth! As this is our first post, we'd like to start it off by thanking you for visiting and the rest of the people who have supported us throughout this journey that's just starting. Founded by Jeremy Hawkins and Corey Dixon, AJFY has started to become a reality and it all began with an idea from both the aforementioned men. Mr. Hawkins and Mr. Dixon were born in Schaumburg, Illinois, and have lived in South Elgin and Elgin, Illinois, all of their life. Having to deal with the unfortunate loss of both their fathers at a very young age, they have endured and been through it all. Raised in a single-family home, Jeremy and Corey both knew they had to rely on one another for support, friendship, and love to grow and prosper. After all the trials and tribulations, they have grown into men of admiration and successful ones as well. Growing up without a father, both knew the importance of the community and realized that during trying times, the community is the next best thing for making it through and now, after seeing how the Chicago-land area is failing our young men and with no organization to pick up the pieces, Jeremy and Corey decided to start AJFY and fill that missing gap. To delve into details, Jeremy Hawkins is a 20 year old sophomore studying Business Management. His goal is to make a difference in the community and encourage other young men to educate themselves and be an asset to their communities and as CEO of AJFY, he'll be first in line to support those young men. Our COO Corey Dixon, 28, is a student studying for his Masters in Public Administration with a concentration in Government. Already in possession of a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management, Dixon's skills in operating an organization is second-nature. His goals are to manage AJFY to the best of his abilities and develop the organization into one of the best, not only in the Chicago-land area, but the nation. In regards to AJFY and our mission, we know and statistics confirm that the academic success rate of children in single-parent households are low, as well as substandard community involvement. Corey and Jeremy know this first hand because they have lived it. That's why AJFY is here and running. Every child's future is important to them and their families and AJFY wants everybody, especially our young men, to know that anything is possible through education, hard work, and community action regardless of circumstances! AJFY is here to infuse a commitment to excellence, to start a movement, and we are here to meet the needs of our young men so they can be the best they can be! It brings us great honor and joy in humbly presenting to you, The Alanza James Foundation for Youth!