RYSE (Resilient Youth Striving for Excellence) Afterschool Program

The RYSE Afterschool Program is a year round, daily afterschool drop-in program that provides recreational activities, development of leadership and social skills, homework assistance, and a multicultural curriculum taught through arts, crafts, workshops, field trips, and guest speakers. Based on the 40 Developmental Assets Model, our programming increases assets to prevent risky behavior and increase opportunities for success in school and in life. We provide adult support at a time developmentally when youth need mentoring and guidance the most. RYSE also nurtures potential leaders through its Youth Leaders Program. The staff provides leadership training to eight youth each year, developing their skills to design and implement activities and special events. RYSE is community-based and operates out of the community center of a large, low-income apartment complex (El Rancho Verde) in East San Jose.

The program is open to youth ages 8-15 who live at El Rancho Verde Apartments. Program hours are generally 2:30 pm – 6:00 pm; download the brochure for more details. All services are free.

Project PLUS (Peer Leadership Uniting Students)

Project PLUS is a 14-week long program that consists of group sessions, 1-on-1 mentoring sessions, a Self-Improvement Project, and a field trip. All services are provided on-site at the school campus during school hours. AACI runs four concurrent groups each semester (two at Sheppard Middle School and two at Independence High School). PLUS empowers young people with the skills and experiences they need to make good decisions and connects them with positive adult role models and community resources. PLUS uses evidence-based LifeSkills Training curriculum that has been modified for cultural relevance for our at-risk/high risk youth of color. AACI’s staff members co-facilitate weekly discussion groups that cover such topics as making decisions, substance abuse, gangs, anger management, conflict resolution, and cultural identity and race relations.

Through the Self Improvement Project (SIP), staff works with youth to develop and achieve meaningful, realistic personal goals of the youth’s choice—past examples include raising grades, quitting smoking, reducing truancy, learning to cook, applying for work, and even leaving a gang.

PLUS serves youth ages 11-18 of all risk levels in Independence High School and Sheppard Middle School. All services are free. Students can self-refer or be referred through a MultiService Team member.