Youth Chance High School strengthens the community by partnering with high-risk inner-city youth to earn their high school diplomas in a safe, supportive environment. Students gain academic, vocational and life skills necessary to become self sufficient, socially responsible young adults. For teens who are truant, chronically absent or have dropped out completely, the Y collaborates extensively with the San Francisco Unified School District and the juvenile justice system. What distinguishes Youth Chance from other programs and continuation schools throughout the city is its strengths-based, holistic approach that helps students understand that they have choices in their lives despite their many challenges. Although 50% of the teens at Youth Chance have been or are involved with foster care and the juvenile justice system, we work with each student individually to reframe their choices with new options, new contacts and solid academic skills. We partner with other YMCA of San Francisco truancy and mental health support programs for recruitment, strategic planning, community collaborations and resource allocation.

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