DKI
Special Programs
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The Teen Mother Education Project
This
program of DKI provides counseling and support for teen mothers,
pregnant or parenting. The TMEP Coordinator assists this very
high-risk population, who are often children of second or
third generation teen parents, by providing educational and
social support enabling these young women to complete their
high school educations. TMEP provides the structure and support
for these teen mothers to set career and educational goals
and to work toward achieving the goals. The program works
to help successfully break the cycle of poverty for this generation.
Teen mothers who finish high school will raise their income
potential considerably. In the 2003-2004 school year, DKI
worked with 69 teen mothers by monitoring grades, making appropriate
service referrals, providing weekly parenting education classes,
and assisting students with making and achieving their educational
and career goals. In 2004, 65% of our TMEP high school graduates
were enrolled in college in the fall of 2004!
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The Family Support Project
The
Family Support Project helps DKI families understand the importance
of support and respect among family members, encourages provision
of a caring and nurturing environment, defines parental roles
and responsibilities and encourages parent participation in
all aspects of the children’s lives. The FSP counselor
meets with each family weekly, for five sessions, to build
and strengthen family management techniques and interaction.
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SchoolWorks
SchoolWorks
provides students training while in enrolled in high school
to instill a strong work ethic in all of its participants.
This program provides training on such topics as interview
skills while educating students regarding career opportunities
and work expectations. This program strives to prepare our
graduates to succeed in a variety of work settings. Every
DKI high school student is required to take part in this program
and may receive job referral and placement services as well.
Additionally, the students learn about budgeting, banking,
and other practical skills so that they are equipped to face
challenges such as work-study options when they are enrolled
in financial aid programs. Moreover, students learn how to
balance work, financial, family, and academic priorities so
that they may succeed in their chosen career path.
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College Quest
This
program provides post secondary guidance to high school students
including college, community college, trade school, or the
military. College Quest helps each student access appropriate
financial aid and scholarship dollars. Additionally, College
Quest works with each student’s counselor, mentor, and
family to ensure that the student receives the necessary emotional
support to succeed in school. Oftentimes, the DKI graduates
currently enrolled in college in the metro area serve as role
models to students who are pursuing such opportunities and
will speak to the students about their own experiences.
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Cole Project
The
Cole Neighborhood has a rich and interesting history steeped
in the value of education. The neighborhood is named for Carlos
M. Cole, who as Superintendent of Denver Public Schools, was
instrumental in establishing junior high schools in Denver.
It is one of Denver’s most culturally diverse areas.
The Cole Neighborhood encompasses two elementary schools,
one middle school, and one high school. DKI is focusing on
the schools in the Cole Neighborhood and has hired three counselors
to work with students at Mitchell, Gilpin, Cole and Manuel.
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