Reviews the history and purposes of International Youth Year (IYY). Lists participating Catholic organizations and the activities planned in observation of the year. (DMM)

Describes the Student/Sponsor Partnership (SSP) in New York. Businesspersons pay part or all of the tuition for disadvantaged students from zoned innercity public high schools to attend private innercity schools, most of which are Catholic. Examines the program's growth, sponsor recruitment, and success. (LAM)

The Nativity Mission School in Manhattan's Lower East Side offers an alternative to public schools for poor immigrant families unable to afford tuition in local Catholic Schools, preparing students to transfer to Catholic high schools and college. Features small classes, committed teachers, extended school day/year and scholarships for graduates.…

Although often ignored by policymakers, African-American independent neighborhood schools provide models of successful learning environments grounded in cultural history and the pursuit of excellence. These schools are usually urban and mostly minority and have a long tradition of self-help providing stability to the African-American community.…

Describes two programs for African-American youth in Boston: "Kujenga," a Catholic leadership conference composed of Afrocentric plenary sessions, workshops, and liturgy, including African dance and art presentations; and "Street Outreach," a leadership training program within the context of evangelization, focusing on oral…

Reviews statistics on youth gangs and gang violence. Discusses the socioeconomic and psychological causes of gangs and gang membership. Describes "Making the Right Connection," a gang prevention program in inner-city Catholic schools in Los Angeles, utilizing a curriculum focusing on self-esteem, personal responsibility, value formation,…

Funded by local businesses and foundations, Cathedral High School's Project LEADER, also known as the career office, provides job placement, graduate followup, career courses, and work study opportunities for its primarily disadvantaged student body in inner-city Boston. (SJL)

Describes the Environmental Issues project at Pennsylvania's Gannon University, designed to provide students at inner-city elementary schools with exposure to environmental issues and to foster their appreciation of nature. Indicates that students learn about local vegetation, water, and animals at a day-long mini-seminar at Camp Galindo, outside…

Describes the success of Capital Partners for Education (CPE), a nonprofit organization that helps at-risk students by providing them with scholarships and mentors, who are mostly urban professionals. CPE targets average students who are failing or likely to drop out. Discusses CPE's activities and its expansion to provide year-round support. (AJL)