Thrive Academy seeks to boost female referrals in Prince George's County youth program

The Gun Violence Workgroup of Prince George's County convened virtually on April 16, 2025, to address critical issues surrounding youth gun violence and the effectiveness of the Thrive Academy program. The meeting focused on the participation rates of young females in the program and the referral processes for eligible youth.

One of the primary discussions centered on the lack of female participation in the Thrive Academy, which is designed to support at-risk youth. Participants noted that while girls are eligible for the program, there has been a noticeable absence of referrals for young females. This gap was attributed to insufficient coordination with law enforcement to identify eligible girls, despite their presence in the community. The workgroup emphasized the need to enhance communication with law enforcement to ensure that all eligible youth, regardless of gender, are considered for the program.

The referral process for the Thrive Academy was also a significant topic. Currently, referrals come from various sources, including law enforcement, the state's attorney's office, and community members. Once a referral is received, the Thrive team reviews it to confirm eligibility. If deemed eligible, a credible messenger partner is assigned to engage with the youth and their family within 48 hours. This outreach includes discussing the program and developing a personalized life plan to help the youth set and achieve their goals.

The workgroup acknowledged challenges in establishing partnerships with local schools to identify students who may benefit from the Thrive Academy. While successful collaborations exist in other areas, such as Baltimore City, the workgroup noted that navigating school partnerships in Prince George's County has proven difficult. They plan to focus on specific neighborhoods with high rates of gun violence, such as Suitland and Capitol Heights, to foster relationships with schools in those areas.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to improve referral rates and enhance outreach efforts to ensure that all eligible youth, particularly young females, receive the support they need to prevent gun violence and promote positive outcomes. The workgroup plans to continue its efforts in collaboration with law enforcement and community partners to address these pressing issues.