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International InitiativesYear in Review
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Focus 2003 Home International InitiativesYear in ReviewEducationPovertyFunding Criteria |
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Adobe Aids Learning Centers That Offer Hope, Help, and a Safe Haven to Youth Living in Seattle's Public Housing CommunitiesLaunched in 1991 as a partnership with the Seattle Housing Authority, the Youth Tutoring Program (YTP) of Catholic Community Services provides safe, positive, and stimulating learning environments for school-age residents of six Seattle public housing communities. Each tutoring center is located close to home, in the students' neighborhoods. In 2003, Adobe provided US$25,000 to support YTP's general operating funds for volunteer recruitment and training, staffing, books and other educational materials. YTP has been an Adobe Community Investment Partner since 1999, when initial funds helped to hire four full-time educators. Over the years, Adobe also has donated Adobe Photoshop®, Adobe PageMaker®, and Adobe Acrobat® software licenses for use on student computers at each center and at the program's administrative offices. YTP uses Adobe Seattle's conference facilities and catering services for its annual two-day staff retreat. The involvement of companies like Adobe is the lifeblood of the six YTP centers, where more than 500 elementary, middle, and high school students come annually two to four times a week for one- to two-hour learning sessions--more than 25,500 visits in 2003. Open 11 months per year, including a summer reading program, YTP centers focus on developing math and language arts skills, helping with homework, and improving literacy. Their innovative skill-building curriculum is based on the academic standards set by the Seattle School District. Most YTP students come from homes where English is not spoken. Most are immigrants from East Africa and Southeast Asia. Many of the students are at high risk for low academic achievement, poor school attendance, dropping out of school, substance abuse, gang activity, low self-esteem, and little or no parental supervision. Staff educators and more than 600 volunteers tutor and guide program participants, working closely with families and teachers to offer hope, help, and a positive presence that mitigates these risks and enables students to succeed in school and in life. YTP's efforts generate real results. In a 2003 survey, 97 percent of students and 98 percent of parents reported grade and schoolwork improvements or maintenance of already good grades through program participation.Learn more about Catholic Community Services Youth Tutoring Program 
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