Latino Youth Development Program

The Latino Youth Development Program promotes positive, team-oriented activities and physical exercise for Latino male students attending Earle B. Wood or Julius West middle schools, or Richard Montgomery or Rockville high schools. Each child involved with the program is provided opportunities to play in soccer leagues, go on field trips, and earn Student Service Learning (SSL) hours.

Students in grades 6 through 12 who are enrolled in the Free and Reduced-price Meals (FARMS) Program for low-income families may be referred by school counselors or administrators, or may self-refer. Refer a student using the Student Referral Form below.

The program begins in July with a five-week summer camp, which includes training and conditioning, SSL projects, and several field trips. The program continues throughout the school year as city staff work closely with teachers and students to monitor grades, self-esteem, and behavior at school, in the program, and at home. The students in the program participate in basic life skills workshops as well as attend college tour visits to secure their future once they graduate. Case management is also provided to the families of students in the program. Transportation is provided to all students at stops within in the City of Rockville.

Program Requirements

• Attend weekly meetings after school.
• Attend weekly practices.
• Attend all games (weekends).
• Attend all field trips.

Program Activities

Soccer Leagues

Students are registered in soccer leagues within Montgomery County as an incentive to improve their grades and behavior. They have weekly practices and games on the weekends.

Academic Guidance

City staff meet weekly with program staff and tutors for study hall to keep academic goals on a track to success. Staff receive weekly updates from counselors and teachers on students’ grades and behavior. Based on those updates, we work with staff and parents to find better ways to help students improve.

Life Skills Workshops

City staff work with community partners who run workshops that prepare students for their life after graduation. Workshops include: financial education, emotional coping methods, home repair, drug, alcohol, and gang prevention, and more. Students also participate in SSL opportunities, such as trash cleanup, to give back to the community as well as earn hours for their required graduation.

Student Referral Form