The film is then discussed, personal experiences with violence are shared, and students discuss how to prevent violent outcomes. The juveniles are assessed at the outset of the program on their academic abilities. The daily curriculum may be remedial, including GED preparation, computer training, and, when appropriate, vocational training. When graduation nears, placement staff assist the students in finding jobs and housing. A job bank of employers willing to hire motivated workers is maintained for this purpose.
Graduates can receive guidance and help from the program after graduation as well.
Graduates are tracked for 3 years after completion of the program. Approximately 50percent of the juveniles who enter the program graduate. Juveniles are contacted and asked about their current status and, when possible, this information is verified against data from the Maryland Department of Juvenile Justice for youth 18 years of age and under. This incarceration rate compares favorably with the 32-percent recommitment or reincarceration rate of two other State juvenile detention programs, as reported by the Maryland Department of Juvenile Justice. The program was awarded a Promising and Effective Practices for Youth award as one of the U.S. Department of Labor's and National Youth Employment Coalition's top 32 youth programs across the country.