Helping Students
Strive For Greatness
LEVELUP YOUTH
OUTREACH PROGRAM
LEVEL UP
LUNCH BUDS PROGRAM
3rd-6th Grade
"Lunch Buds" provides students in grades 3-6 with caring adults who commit to supporting, guiding, and mentoring them for at least one school year. This mentorship is delivered through weekly one-to-one and group mentoring virtually.
Partnership Program
Missouri Youth Preparedness Initiative
For students in the 27 participating states and 3 territories, the four-time, national award-winning MyPI model offers a flexible and comprehensive, 5 to 10-week (on average), three-component, youth preparedness/youth leadership program.
In Component A, teenagers will complete the United States Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency-certified CERT training and corresponding modules focusing on Disaster Preparedness, Fire Safety and Utility Control, Disaster Medical Operations, Light Search and Rescue, CERT Organization, Disaster Psychology, and Terrorism and CERT.
In Component B, the Add-On Catalog features opportunities for certification in CPR and AED usage, along with a technology track comprised of awareness programs focusing on HAM Radio, NOAA Weather Radio, Smoke Alarm Maintenance, Smart Phone App and Social Media usage in Emergency Preparedness. Additionally, the Add-On Catalog features a school safety module often through the highly regarded Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) class made possible by a partnership with Texas State University’s ALERRT, and through a partnership with NOAA, MyPI students have the opportunity to receive further guidance and education through the Skywarn Storm Spotter program. The Add-On Catalog also includes a Disaster simulation and a Career Track that focuses on public safety, fire service, and emergency management careers.
The final element of the program, Component C, includes a comprehensive family and community service project entitled "Prep + 6" in which each participant helps develop emergency supply kits and family communication plans for their household AND 6 additional households. This component allows for significant enhancement in individual, family, and community preparedness and resilience. To graduate from the program, students must complete all components.
DYS Outreach Project
Caring Communities/LevelUP works jointly with the Division of Youth Services to build a strong network of resources prior to youth graduating from DYS Services. The Coordination involves building strong relationships several month prior to release. Group activities, outings and individual support from a mentor help to guide the youth and decrease the number of youth that return to DYS.
Summer Camps
LevelUP provides summer camps that work to instill character, build life skills and provide a resource that offers an outlet for youth. The summer camps are located in East Prairie and Charleston.