The “HeArt Under The Hoodie” Youth Violence Prevention Program links Urban Improv- a 31 year old evidence-based school drama program operating in Boston, MA with after school arts and yoga/mindfulness activities. Urban Improv, a 27 week interactive, improvisational drama curriculum teaches decision making, conflict negotiation, and cooperation and leadership skills. Emotional literacy and protective assets development are outcomes. Real life practice via drama is critical to skills building focused on decision making, impulse control and conflict resolution.

We propose to implement a universal and selected prevention strategy creatively linking schools with community based after school youth violence prevention targeting elementary & middle school age students (10-15) residing in the 19801, 19802, 19805 and 19720 zip codes of Wilmington and NCC. We plan to build relationships with youth in school settings and to extend their participation beyond school residencies to a structured after school engaging at Christina Cultural Arts Center and after school programming. Youth are not required to attend participating schools to enroll in the after school/summer program.

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