Community Budget Issue Requests - Tracking Id #2641FY0001 PRODIGY Program
Requester:		William F. Bowman			Organization:		Bay Area Youth Services (BAYS)
Project Title:		PRODIGY Program			Date Submitted:		2/16/01 3:32:25 PM
Sponsors:		Victor Crist
Statewide Interest:		This is year 2 of a 3 year pilot project serving as a model program for statewide implementation.
Recipient:		Bay Area Youth Services (BAYS)			Contact:		William Bowman
		5118 N. 56th Street, Suite 206			Contact Phone:		(136) 288-9891 209
		Tampa 33610
Counties:		Hillsborough
Service Area:		Government Entity
Project Description:
The PRODIGY Program is a multi-agency collaboration that provides cultural arts to at-risk youth in our target community. This is the second year of a three-year demonstration project. The PRODIGY program serves to demonstrate the effectiveness of cultural arts programming among youth ages 7-17 who are at-risk of entering or re-entering the juvenile justice system. The program combines prevention, diversion and intervention components that will greatly enhance and expand the capabilities of a diverse and very experianced coalition in order to reduce high levels of juvenile-based crime. A common theme of all program-based activities is to develop and promote teamwork and self-esteem among the children participating while fostering a sense of community. The exposure to the creative and performing arts provides program participants with the opportunity for a form of expression that is positive and does not promote destructive or violent behavior.
Measurable Outcome Anticipated:
The goal of the program is to provide a positive benefit for our target population's at-risk youth through coupling holistic case management services with participation in the arts as a means for personal expression. The PRODIGY Program's impact on the individual and community will be measured through: Qualitative Observations: A) the development of personal responsibility, values and moral character in youth and their families; B) development of personal and potential vocational skills through participation in the program; C) a greater understanding and respect for individual, family and community heritage. Quantifiable Measures: A) 80% of youth shall remain crime free six months after the release from the diversion component of the PRODIGY Program; B) 80% of youth enrolled in the program shall not be arrested during non-school hours while participating in the diversion component of the PRODIGY Program; C) 80% of youth enrolled in the program shall not be arrested for crimes involving violence while participating in the diversion component of the PRODIGY Program; D) 75% of all PRODIGY diversion component participants shall successfully complete the program; E) 65% of the youth successfully completing the diversion component requirements shall exhibit a decrease in truancy and school behavior problems.
Amount requested from the State for this project this year:						$599,780
Total cost of the project:			$841,780
Request has been made to fund:				Operations
Type of funding match:		Local
	Total Cash Amount:		$242,000
Was this project previously funded by the State?							Yes
	Fiscal Year:		2000-2001		Amount:		$599,780
Is future-year funding likely to be requested?							Yes
	Amount:		$599,780
	Purpose for future year funding:					Recurring Operations
	Will this be an annual request?						Yes
Was this project included in an Agency's Budget Request?							No
Was this project included in the Governor's Recommended Budget?							No
Is there a documented need for this project?							Yes
	Documentation:		The growing juvenile crime statistics in Hillsborough County
Was this project request heard before a publicly noticed meeting of a body of elected officials (municipal, county, or state)?							Yes
	Hearing Body:		Hillsborough County Legislative Delegation
	Meeting Date:		1/5/01