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Join Our Mailing ListCalifornia State University , Fresno Foundation
4910 North Chestnut Avenue
Fresno , CA 93720
Phone: (559) 278-0285
Fax: (559) 278-0992
E-mail: ibasurto@csufresno.edu
Title: Firebaugh Children Shall Succeed
Project Director: Imelda Basurto, Ph.D.
Project Amount Funded (FY 2006): $249,997
Target Group: Hispanic/Latino Youth, Grades 5-10
The goal of the Firebaugh Children Shall Succeed program is to reduce high-risk behaviors, strengthen protective resiliency factors, and develop skills and behaviors leading to healthier lifestyle choices among 25 at-risk participants from the Firebaugh Las Delta Unified School. The program targets Hispanic rural youth in grades 5-10, and partners with the Fresno Covenant Foundation and the Firebaugh Community Coalition. Students attend after school sessions four days a week as well as a Saturday morning session. During the after school session, students focus on tutoring in English, math, and science in addition to taking part in activities such as a group theater skit, a writing project, and family essays. Saturday morning workshops bring students and parents together and are geared towards youth development. A series of workshops focus on several key areas including: Sembrando Salud , a culturally sensitive, community-based tobacco and alcohol use prevention program specifically adapted for migrant Hispanic adolescents and their families, Olewus Anti-Bullying Program offering students awareness of risk factors and skills to avert bullying and violence; and a Life Skills training designed to prevent and reduce use of gateway drugs. Additional workshops include career development sessions as well as cultural heritage information workshops facilitated by The Preserve America Commission. A three-week summer program focuses on exploration of the San Joaquin River . Students work with the Preserve America Commission and the City to beautify the river bank through art and cleanup. They also explore the local foothills and mountain to gain a better understanding of the local environment, including plants and rocks, and receive instruction on the historical significance of the river. Parent participation is encouraged through required parental attendance at Saturday morning workshops dealing with behavioral issues as well parent attendance at student counseling sessions as requested by program staff.