The Fresh Start program is one example of how Living Classrooms is changing lives by teaching marketable job skills. The U.S. Department of Labor and the National Youth Employment Coalition continue to recognize Living Classrooms' Fresh Start program for "best practices working with at-risk youth" and for embodying a "continuous improvement process."

Fresh Start is a 40-week job skills training program that serves out-of-school youth, ages 16-19, most of whom are referred by the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services. The program uses carpentry as a medium to teach reading, writing, math, history, and science. Students work in the Foundation's Maritime Institute workshop and the Douglass-Myers Maritime Park boatbuilding workshop, building toolboxes, furniture, and boats. They also receive classroom instruction and one-on-one tutoring. The curriculum is designed to increase self-reliance, teach problem solving and academic skills, and demonstrate how academic skills and knowledge are used in a practical work environment.

Fresh Start students increase their math, reading, and writing levels by an average of 1.5 grade levels while in the program. 75-80% of graduates remain employed and/or in school for three years after completion of the program.

Contact: Stephanie Region stephanie@livingclassrooms.org