Four students studied the issue of youth unemployment, and their research resulted in a proposal to create a better and less expensive youth corps a youth corps that would utilize existing agencies and resources. The evening and weekend programs offer a wide range of educational and cultural classes for children and adults as well as sports and crafts.
Community councils provide guidance on program content.
Classes are taught by public school teachers, community members, and Penn staff and students. Activities are focused upon areas chosen by each school's principal and staff. In this neo-Deweyan approach, students not only learn by doing, but also learn by and for service. The idea behind this approach is that schools can function as the strategic and catalytic agents for community transformation. The grant was also dedicated to strengthening the national network of institutions interested in this work.