THE MARY'S CENTER TEEN PROGRAM AND THE TEEN SCHOLARSHIP FUND

The Teen Program provides programmatic and case management services to teenagers, ages 13-21, and uses a positive, youth-driven approach to address the various needs of our teen participants. Many programs are offered throughout the year; and during the summer teens can participate in a job training/experience and personal development program such as Urbanitos.

In addition to the paid work they do in departments of Mary’s Center and in community organizations, the Urbanitos develop projects around important themes. The 2007 Urbanitos, tasked with the theme of “Advocacy,” put their energy into coming up with a way to help teens overcome many of the tough issues they face, such as poverty, pregnancy, and substance abuse. The result was more access to higher education through the establishment of the Teen Scholarship Fund. Since summer 2007, the teens were able to raise more than $6,000 for the Fund through donations and events such as bake sales and carwashes. At the First Annual Celebración de Graduación, 26 students from the Class of 2008 and 4 students from the Class of 2007 received scholarships ranging from $100 to $300. The scholarship recipients are attending schools that include the University of the District of Columbia, Montgomery College, Prince George’s Community College, Delaware State University, the University of Maryland and Trinity College.

The Teen Scholarship Fund has already helped 30 of our local teens pursue advanced educational opportunities, and you can help the Class of 2009 to do the same by donating to the Fund! In addition to the fundraising events the teens organize, donations are accepted throughout the year. Please consider helping our teens succeed by giving through PayPal, or by contacting Beth Perry, Teen Program Director, at bperry@maryscenter.org for more information.