To compliment our activities, we aim to employ other positive strategies to keep
them engaged and occupied.
Bi-Weekly Information Emails: To ensure members are busy, even when they
are not with the program, we research opportunities and form partnerships with
other programs. We create an email notifying members and parents of additional
activities and events the kids can get involved in. We often secure discounts
for classes, tickets to events, and family service programs for members and
their families to enjoy.
Career Days: Once per quarter, the League presents a Career Day that
exposes members and other DC youth to adults in various professions. In this
all day program, professionals will talk to kids about their profession and
during lunch, the professionals will come together for a panel about the
workforce.
Group Projects: Each year, members will work on a year long project as a
group. The project will serve as a learning experience, a bonding project, a
chance for each member to use and enhance their skills, and an opportunity to
build self-esteem and sense of accomplishment. For the first year, the group
project will be a talent show - which the members will produce, perform in,
market, and manage. The next year, members may create a news program, publish a
magazine, or run a t-shirt business.
CAPE Cares: A key factor of the League is making sure that the positive adults involved are accessible to members. First, we have a staff Youth Liaison - who serves as the center of communication with the youth regarding: personal/academic issues, activity attendance, meeting League requirements, etc. Also, the Executive Director hosts a monthly dinner with small groups of the members. The purpose is to get to know them and hear about what is going on with them at school, within the program, and with their mentors, and expose them to various types of cuisines - fine dining, cultural experiences or alternative dining.
Program Perks Component: To keep members motivated, the League has a perk component to celebrate the behaviors we value. This component rewards things like school performance, participation in community service, demonstrated learning from activities, improvement in behavior, etc. Members will not be notified in advance of what the monthly achievement will be, unless it's a competition. Perks include movie passes, concert tickets, gift certificates, small items, etc.
Senior Project/Transition: Basic membership ends at age 17, bet we ensure that we help "graduating" members in a special way. The senior project is for those who are in their last official year of the program. The project consists of 4-5 assignments based on the particular career or life interests of the individual member. - designed to help them explore and get involved in their interest. Upon completion, members have the option of interviewing for a volunteer position as Junior Youth Liaison (JYL). As a JYL, they remain a part of the program in a leadership capacity - while still taking advantage of the programs activities and simultaneously transitioning into adulthood. Meanwhile, the League provide two special programs per year for the JYL to help them.
Year End Ceremony: At the end of each membership year, the C.A.P.E. Leaguers participate in a special ceremony where the all receive certificates for completing the program. Those "graduating" from the program - get a special send off. Five members are awarded for achievement through the year (community service; essays/book reports; academic achievement and progress; professional/personal development; member of the year).