Program areas at Aarons Presents
Agents and change program continues to support youth development as our participants enter their teenage years with mentorship and opportunities in the categories of: leadership development, educational/creative development, mental health, contributing and helping others and staying connected. We send nearly 70 youth to summer programs each year, and for many, it marks their first time away from home or experiencing the wonders of camping in nature. Other partnerships with tutors, college counselors, artists and american repertoy theater also greatly enrich and inspire our teens. We also have weekly mental health support group at our office near lowell high school every week for any interested teenager.
Our nascant ap alumni engagement program shows that becoming an adult continues a remarkable journey within our community. Once youth have worked with us, they forever belong to the Aarons Presents family. If they choose to stay connected, we continue to provide a gateway to a network of othe alumni and community members, as well as guidance and referrals to other resources, avenues for self discovery, and pathways to both personal achievement and meningful contribution, the heart of our mission.
Givers and visionaries program (primarily upper elementary and middle school) offers a platform for youth to execute their own ideas benefitting people, animals and the environment, it is up to them to join, as nothing in Aarons Presents is ever required or forced. After completeing an application, youth plan their projects with a mentor, typicaaly at weekly school meetings during recess, lunch or after school hours by telephone. Mentors communicate with parents to get permission and help coordinate any logistics needed. The youth are the leaders and decision makers every step of the process, and they execute their projects in the larger community, whether playing with afghan refugee children, visiting the elderly, cleaning up parks, helping animals, delivering groceries to people in need, planning activities for foster children, etc youth and mentors often share a meal afterwards to further cement their bond with each other and photos are shared with parents.