Learning Gap Recovery for LA’s Most Vulnerable Youth!

New Earth serves system-impacted and justice-involved youth ages 13-25. The youth served by New Earth are almost exclusively low-income and high risk for entering or reentering the juvenile justice system. 58% have had past expulsions or suspensions, 62% have had past arrests, 41% have had past incarceration, and 38% are on probation at entry. Our High School Education Programming model is designed to meet the ongoing needs of students who want to recover credits, make additional progress towards graduation, or are interested in a specialized, individualized project-based learning model when their traditional schools have failed them or are unsafe to return to. The program is uniquely equipped to meet the specific needs of system-impacted youth. In addition to academic enrichment, each student is assigned a case manager who builds a case plan based on students' unique needs, providing social-emotional and mental health and wellness support.

New Earth and Da Vinci RISE provide young people with the opportunity to earn a High School Diploma through a highly responsive, holistic, and integrated educational model that meets the unique needs of youth navigating foster care, housing instability, probation, and/or other circumstances that have caused disruptions in their academic journeys. Through a flex-scheduling, credit recovery model, students are given the voice and choice needed to accomplish their academic goals while honoring the additional responsibilities they have in their lives. By engaging students through a relationship-focused learning experience we help them overcome individual obstacles and systemic barriers. Given inequities in learning environment, safety, security and resources, New Earth RISE students are high risk for learning loss during pandemic related campus closures. The partnership between RISE and New Earth in this educational program works to continue learning and wraparound services, mental health support, vocational training, arts and enrichment programs, nutritional support, and other resources. Programs include our F.L.O.W. poetry and music program, which promotes literacy and enhances writing skills based on the California Language Arts Standards of education. Our job training program allows students to gain experience and skills while contributing to the community through our People’s Market no-cost food distribution program which was designed to address food insecurity.

Expand existing project, program, or initiative

New Earth is leading the way in juvenile justice reform and mental health supportive wrap-around services for system-involved young people by providing comprehensive therapeutic and trauma-informed services. New Earth’s programs have a history of positive results in the overall well-being of students and social-emotional growth and development. 93% of clients do not recidivate and 83% have positive youth development outcomes. The success of this program will directly impact the metrics of lowering suspension and expulsion rates and in engaging opportunity youth in Los Angeles County; 82% of New Earth Rise students graduate High School or are currently enrolled. Short-term goals include mitigating educational inequities, particularly the effects of the pandemic; improving academic achievement; and providing holistic support for system-involved youth. Long term results include increased high school graduation rates, lower recidivism rates, and high rates of employment and job readiness.

Success of New Earth’s program is based on the following metrics: At least 95% of youth served will report that New Earth’s programs made a positive impact on their lives, evidenced by improved reading and writing skills and enhanced self-confidence and life skills. At least 99% of youth who participate in New Earth’s post-release programs will successfully transition back into the community, as evidenced by obtainment of a high school diploma or employment. At least 95% of youth served will remain free from re-incarceration. At least 85% of seniors will graduate with their High School Diploma. New Earth programs have produced the following results: 93% of members remain free from incarceration 100% of young people employed with New Earth are now stably housed 70% of young people are job-ready and placed in outside employment 82% have graduated high school or are currently enrolled 80% learned how to manage emotions We expect to maintain and exceed our current success rates.

New Earth currently partners with Da Vinci Rise High to provide a fully accredited high school diploma program during the school year for New Earth’s eligible members. System-impacted youth ages 13-25 are able to enroll in the RISE program co-located at the New Earth Arts & Leadership Center in Culver City and obtain their diploma while concurrently enrolled in New Earth’s onsite wrap-around services like case management, arts programs, therapy, vocational programs and weekly grocery delivery services.