top of page

CAMPAIGN PLATFORM 4
Empowering Our Youth

Platform: Empowering Youth Through Rehabilitation, Education, and Opportunity

Tracey Lucas is committed to addressing the systemic challenges faced by our youth by establishing a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to the rehabilitation, education, and vocational training of individuals involved with the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) and Job Corps. This initiative will provide a pathway to success for our young people, reducing recidivism and building a stronger, more inclusive Washington, DC.

​​

Program Goals

1. Rehabilitation

  • Provide therapeutic services, including mental health support, trauma-informed care, and substance abuse programs.

  • Offer individualized case management to guide youth through their rehabilitation process.

 

2. Education

  • Implement an accredited academic program tailored to meet each youth’s educational needs, enabling them to earn high school diplomas or equivalency certificates.

  • Incorporate life skills workshops, including financial literacy, conflict resolution, and communication skills.

 

3. Vocational Training

  • Partner with local businesses, unions, and trade schools to offer hands-on training in high-demand trades such as plumbing, electrical work, culinary arts, and technology.

  • Facilitate internships and apprenticeships to bridge the gap between training and employment.

 

4. Purpose and Routine

  • Establish a structured daily schedule that combines education, training, and recreation to instill discipline and a sense of purpose.

  • Offer mentorship programs connecting youth with positive role models and community leaders.

​

Facility Features  

  • Classrooms equipped with modern technology.

  • Training labs for trades and technical skills.

  • Counseling and therapy rooms.

  • Recreational spaces for physical activities and social interaction.

  • Dormitory-style housing for youth requiring residential support.

​

Capacity and Impact

  • The facility will serve both residential and non-residential youth:

  • Residential Youth: Up to 150 youth per cohort.

  • Non-Residential Youth: Up to 300 youth per cohort.

  • With two cohorts annually, the facility can serve a total of 900 youth each year.

  • Over a five-year period, the facility will empower and rehabilitate approximately 4,500 youth.

​

Case Study

Baltimore’s Group Violence Reduction Strategy (GVRS) Baltimore’s GVRS program demonstrates the success of initiatives that integrate rehabilitation, education, and vocational training. Launched in January 2022, GVRS targets the root causes of youth violence by providing comprehensive support to individuals ready to disengage from criminal activities. Key components of the program include:

  • Comprehensive Support Services: Participants receive access to stable housing, full-time employment opportunities, and entrepreneurial resources. Success stories, such as youth starting their own businesses, highlight the program’s transformative potential.

  • Life Coaching and Mentorship: Each participant works closely with a life coach to navigate challenges like securing identification documents, opening bank accounts, and accessing social services. This guidance equips youth with essential life skills and confidence.

  • Collaborative Partnerships: By uniting city agencies, community organizations, and law enforcement, GVRS fosters systemic change and community engagement.

 

Outcomes: Since its implementation, GVRS has contributed to a significant reduction in homicides and youth-related violence. Baltimore recorded a 23% decrease in homicides in 2024, achieving the city’s lowest annual total in over a decade. This illustrates the power of comprehensive youth support programs to reduce recidivism and promote meaningful opportunities for at-risk individuals.​​​

​

Projected Costs

1. Facility Development

  • Construction and renovation: $25 million

  • Equipment and furnishings: $5 million

 

2. Operational Budget (Annual)

  • Staff salaries (educators, counselors, trainers, and support staff): $12 million

  • Program materials and supplies: $3 million

  • Facility maintenance: $2 million

  • Miscellaneous expenses: $1 million

 

3. Total First-Year Cost: $48 million

 

4. Ongoing Annual Cost: $18 million

​

bottom of page