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Youth for Christ’s 'Life Choices' program outlines counseling-style class to Pittsville board
Summary
A Youth for Christ presenter described 'Life Choices', a voluntary small-group program using the Elevate curriculum at Lincoln and Pittsville; the board heard how incentives and volunteers (including a therapy dog) support students at risk of disengagement and were invited to visit classes.
A Youth for Christ representative identified herself as Liz and presented the Life Choices program to the Pittsville School District board as an information-only item. The program, which uses the Elevate curriculum, meets weekly and mixes a short video presentation, group discussion and application questions. Liz said the program targets students with attendance or academic concerns, lower GPAs, or behaviors that put them at risk of juvenile-justice involvement and aims to provide consistent adult support.
Liz described an incentive structure where students earn 'stars' for attendance, grades and completing weekly 'next steps,' which accumulate toward small Amazon gift-card rewards. She said the group includes volunteers, three core teaching team members and a regular therapy-dog volunteer. Liz said participation is voluntary, parents provide consent when appropriate, and the program plans summer gatherings to maintain connections.
Board members asked how students are referred and whether the program is voluntary; Liz said students are referred by guidance and often recruit peers. She said current participation is about 15 students and that staff will share contact information for board members interested in visiting the class.
