Concrete Queenz Project SkateHER4Life

Community safety

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

Educational institutions in South LA often face resource constraints, affecting the quality of education and opportunities available to students. The provision of mentorship programs, after-school initiatives, sports programs, and community engagement efforts is crucial to fostering a conducive, safe environment for learning and personal development. Our program seeks to address the critical community need through play equity and skateboarding. Play equity is a paramount concern as it addresses the disparities in access to safe, quality, and inclusive play opportunities for children, regardless of their socio-economic background. These underserved areas often lack well-maintained play spaces, recreational facilities, and resources necessary for a holistic play experience.

Our initiative establishes safe play spaces ensuring equitable distribution of resources such as skateboards, safety equipment, and shoes, and implementes after-school and weekend programs that emphasize skateboarding, mentorship, and confidence building. By addressing the crucial aspect of play equity, we can contribute to the overall well-being and development of students in South LA, fostering a more inclusive and enriching environment for their growth.
Through Project SkateHER4Life, Concrete Queenz will provide an after-school skateboarding program that will engage 75 girls ages 18 and under across 3 schoolsites, contracted with Green Dot Public Schools. We combine a mentor-guided skateboarding curriculum with a supportive community environment of industry professionals who understand the unique challenges girls face. These mentors will provide not just technical guidance, but also emotional support and role modeling. Activities include weekly skate sessions, monthly mentor-led discussions on topics like perseverance and self-confidence, and multiple trips to skateparks in LA. Project SkateHER4Life is unique as it addresses play equity directly within a historically male-dominated sport, providing girls a safe space, a sense of belonging and achievement. Our program not only promotes physical health through skateboarding, but it also fosters a supportive, inclusive community that bolsters mental well-being.

Research indicates that participation in sports can significantly boost self-esteem and confidence in young girls. The success of our program helps to break down gender barriers in sports, promoting greater inclusivity and encouraging more girls to engage in physical activities, specifically skateboarding. As our girls develop new skills and overcome challenges, these benefits will extend beyond skateboarding, positively impacting their academic performance, social interactions, and future aspirations.
Additionally, providing a safe and constructive outlet for youth can help to reduce the risk of involvement in negative activities. The CDC highlights that youth programs can reduce delinquency and improve community safety. As these girls grow and succeed, they will serve as powerful examples of what can be achieved with the right support and opportunities, inspiring others and creating a ripple effect of positive change throughout LA County.

The Concrete Queenz SkaterHer4Life 2024 program has set SMART objectives to ensure measurable and impactful outcomes for its 75 participants over the 9-month duration:
Skateboarding Proficiency: Achieve measurable improvement in skateboarding skills for each participant, assessed through skill evaluations every two months.
Confidence and Self-Esteem: Target of at least a 40% increase in self-assuredness indicators, evaluated through pre- and post-program surveys and observation.
Creative Expression and Individuality: Facilitate personal and creative expression in 100% of participants through creative workshops, and the Build-A-Board project, with success evidenced by the completion of projects.
Community Impact Showcase; Demonstrate the program's community impact through a conclusive event and fundraiser, with at least 80% participant representation and success stories.