A little homework, a little conversation and before you know it, a successful program is born. Good grades and "fitting in" at school are often big challenges for many of our children but even more so if you come from a low-income community. In an effort to overcome delinquency, academic failure, truancy and cultural barriers among the children in the KCCHA's Public Housing Communities, Study Central was designed. The goal has been to connect at-risk youth with positive mentoring increasing self-reliance that has brought about academic success and positive bonding to school and community. It is through the successful partnerships and support of the Bremerton and Central Kitsap School District, teen mentors and over 25 community volunteers, the program has skyrocketed. Neighborhood problems such as truancy, runaways and vandalism have declined significantly and grades have increased! A winning prevention program producing positive results.

Study Central runs the duration of the Public School year September through mid-June meeting Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 4:30-8:00 PM. School age children receive tutorial assistance with their homework assignments at the Nollwood computer learning center. On Mondays from 2:30 -5:30pm children can receive help at one of the Olympic High School portable classrooms.

When the students are done each day with their assignments they are able to explore the World Wide Web, do other computer related projects, or improve math and reading skills through educational work sheets, books from the on-site library or games. Meaningful relationships are developed between tutors and students, and a strong sense of community is created among neighborhood peers.

1999 Pacific NW Regional PRAISE Award

1999 NAHRO National Merit Award