Community Budget Issue Requests - Tracking Id #2480FY0001 IMPACT-AMI's Alternative Education Program for Juvenile Offenders
Requester:		Associated Marine Institutes Associated Marine Institutes			Organization:		Associated Marine Institutes
Project Title:		IMPACT-AMI's Alternative Education Program for Juvenile Offenders			Date Submitted:		2/9/01 10:10:13 AM
Sponsors:		Nancy Argenziano, Gustavo Barreiro, Dennis Baxley, Allan Bense, Annie Betancourt, Marty Bowen, Edward Bullard, Mario Diaz-Balart, Mike Fasano, Mark Flanagan, Dan Gelber, Jerry Maygarden, Matthew Meadows, Jerry Melvin, Frank Peterman, Allen Trovillion
Statewide Interest:		IMPACT provides alternative educational services to adjudicated youth throughout Florida
Recipient:		Associated Marine Institute			Contact:		Nick Millar
		5915 Benjamin Center Drive			Contact Phone:		(850) 386-6224
		Tampa 33634
Counties:		{Statewide}
Service Area:		Private Organization
Project Description:
IMPACT is the exciting new second phrase of AMI's day treatment programs focused on providing an alternative educational setting. Designed to meet the needs of delinquent kids, IMPACT allows AMI staff to complete what is started in the institute's first phase. The mission of IMPACT is: Every student will successfully complete high school by earning a standard diploma, special diploma, or the GED, and establish a clear career path by successfully completing at least one semester of college, vocational training or apprenticeship. All students will receive life skill preparation including those skills necessary for living in a computer driven world. As in the first phase of AMI's day programs, the IMPACT phase continues to emphasize completion of high school graduation requirements, and also includes strenghts-based case planning and programming, empowered student participation, life readiness preparation, continuing education, and citizenship. A reuirement of the IMPACT phase is that students define a clear vocational path prior to transition. IMPACT students typically work during the morning and afternoon hours and attednd classes in the evening preparing for a high school diploma or GED. A staff member at eachprogram creates a job bank and assists students with job placement. Student progress is monitored at the work site. Prior to transition from IMPACT, students preapre for placement in community college, vocational school, or an apprenticeship program. AMI's IMPACT programs serve 665 students. On the average, programs have been operating for 3 to 6 months. Several trends have emerged such as increased focus on the preparation for both standard diplomas and GED's, and increased enrollment in vocational programs. Apprenticeship programs have been tapped into for the first time. AMI institutes have increased partenerships with both district and private vocational schools, community colleges, businesses and state departments. Last year, AMI received $1,093,260 to assit with IMPACT transportation costs. This year $1,158,855 in funding is requested fro transporation costs (increased amount due to increased transportation costs). AMI has been highly successful during the past 30 years redirecting the lives of at-rsik youth, and when students transition from AMI programs, they are behaviorally ready to apply the skill they have learned. However, the majority of our youth are not successful when they transition back to traditional school programs, and they eventually drop out. They have not had enough time to develop academic skills, and school administrators are wary of the delinquents returning to their schools. Through IMPACT, students can work in an environment that has become safe and comfortable for the periof of time they require, developing the skills they need to obtain a high school diploma. A high school diploma is the storngest predictor of ono-recidivism. In addition to earning a diploma, students participate in meaningful work experiences that reflect abilities and interests while creatinf a clear vocational path for the future. We believe that meaningful work experiences in which at-risk youth earn wages, also keep them from re-offending. One of our many IMPACT success stories involves a 17-year old male student who attended our Dade South program in Miami, This young man had a long lost of felony offenses prior to enrolling in the program. IMPACT provided the support he required to become focused. He earned a GED and discovered an interest in the culinary arts. Our Director assisted this young man in pursuing his interests. He now has a full scholarship to Johnson Wales, one of the finest culinary art schools in the country.
Measurable Outcome Anticipated:
Successful graduates of AMI's IMPACT program earn a high school diploma or GED, complette at least one semester of college, vocational training or apprenticeship and receive job placement assistance. Research has demonstrated that a high school diploma is the strongest predictor of non-recidivism.
Amount requested from the State for this project this year:						$1,158,855
Identify item(s) in the Appropriations Bill to be reduced:
Specific Appropriation #:			1129c
Specific Appropriation Title:			Grants & Aids to local governmetns and nonprofit organizations-Fixed Capital outlay. Local Delinquency intervetnion facilities
Amount to be reduced:			$1,158,855
Fund Source:			General Revenue
Total cost of the project:			$4,380,855
Request has been made to fund:				Operations
Type of funding match:		Local
	Total Cash Amount:		$3,222,000
Was this project previously funded by the State?							Yes
	Fiscal Year:		2000-2001		Amount:		$1,093,260
Is future-year funding likely to be requested?							Yes
	Amount:		$1,158,855
	Purpose for future year funding:					Recurring Operations
	Will this be an annual request?						Yes
Was this project included in an Agency's Budget Request?							No
Was this project included in the Governor's Recommended Budget?							No
Is there a documented need for this project?							Yes
	Documentation:		This project assists in keeping Florida's schools safe b providing alternative educational services
Was this project request heard before a publicly noticed meeting of a body of elected officials (municipal, county, or state)?							Yes
	Hearing Body:		statewide Legislative delegation meetings
	Meeting Date:		12/14/00