LITE is a structured enrichment program designed for African American males 16-21 to reduce barriers in education and/or employment.  LITE's goal is to encourage a change in thinking that in turn influences behavior (Thinking + Feeling= Character/Behavior/ Problem).

Program Objectives:

• Improve behavior in youth students age 16-21
• Increase success in school in high school students age 16-21
• Improve the graduation rate among LITE participants
• Reduce the future incarceration rate of LITE participants
• Increase the likelihood of LITE participants going to college
• Reduce the spread of HIV and  other sexually transmitted diseases among LITE participants
• Improve cultural awareness among LITE participants through celebration of African American pioneers
• Prevent LITE participants from becoming teen fathers
• Increase the End-of-Grade Reading Scores and higher SAT scores
• Increase parent/guardian involvement

LINC has developed a curriculum especially for African American young men. The curriculum consists of: intensive case management, right of passage, ropes course, tutoring, educational and cultural field trips, weekly workshops, mentoring, and spiritual awareness.

  The LITE  program enables youth's ability to remain enrolled in school and avoid direct involvement with the juvenile justice system. Ultimately, LINC, through LITE, is working to “break the cycle of crime.” Students will develop a supportive group culture, learn appropriate leadership skills, acceptable school and community behavior, and gain self confidence and self esteem, and appropriate etiquette for advancement within society.

LITE Program Process Chart

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