Providing accessible learning opportunities and inclusive programs are critical to Extension's mission. Creating inclusive environments is more than consideration for individuals' personal identity. Using principles of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) is an approach to intentionally build community and create new…

Discusses the need of young children for strong social bonds with family and other caregivers to withstand stressful early childhood experiences. Briefly describes parent education programs in Chicago and Washington, DC, that give parents information on how to deal with their children's problems in and out of school. (FMW)

Government programs and initiatives have inadequately addressed education's importance in juvenile detention facilities. Detained juveniles are not "throw-aways." Congress has inadvertently recognized this population through the Urban Education Program; such minors are "at-risk" but not hopeless. Adoption of program guidelines at juvenile…

Describes the "Helpers Promoting Literacy" program to encourage young teens to read aloud to young children and to have both groups evaluate the books being read. Discusses the volunteer training and suggests tips for reading aloud to children. (FMW)

Since 1942, New York's Children's Art Carnival has provided free creative art experiences to the city's children. Sensitive to the needs of some of its underpriviliged clients, it has developed remedial reading, youth employment, and outreach programs. This article is part of a theme issue on multicultural art programs. (SJL)

Describes the Young Adult Learning Academy in New York (New York), a collaborative offering educational services to dropouts between 16 and 24 years old whose low reading levels make them ineligible for adult education programs. Emphasizes cooperation, staffing, and development of the instructional program. (FMW)

Reviews dropout characteristics; identifies the components of an overall dropout prevention approach; and describes the role of legislation, school administration, and public-private collaboratives in developing dropout prevention strategies. Emphasizes the use of public and private resources to improve the opportunities of the disadvantaged. (FMW)

Outlines a 10-year program to upgrade the condition of the homeless. Lists general economic and social goals. (FMW)

City Bound, an urban-based Belgian youth program, uses challenging social tasks such as visiting a prison or preparing for a mock job interview to foster individual development and social awareness. Discusses options for mixing elements of Outward Bound, a nature-based learning program, and City Bound, as well as specific adaptations for at-risk…

Describes the Rice Computer Education Center, a cooperative after-school project for providing computer training for at-risk elementary school students in Chicago (Illinois). (FMW)

Poverty, violence, illegal drugs, and despair dominate the lives of many inner-city children, most of whom are Black and Hispanic. To reverse the social and economic decline of poor neighborhoods in major metropolitan areas, the State of New York has embraced an agenda, outlined here, for rebuilding high-need inner-city communities. (Author/BJV)