Learning and Community Engagement Program (LACEP)

Leadership and Resiliency Program and Project SUCCESS

LACEP is a program of the South Whidbey School District that serves as a gateway to learning and community connection for youth. Launched in September 2004, LACEP coordinates a variety of activities and programs, including counseling and student support, a vocational education class, and Island Coffee House (in partnership with the Community Engagement Center).

What's new with LACEP?

In August 2005, the South Whidbey School District received a one-year grant of $360,325 in support of two new alcohol abuse reduction programs which will work together, offering compatible but different program activities. This award is part of an expected three years of funding, totaling almost $1.1 million. The U.S. Department of Education is providing this funding through the Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools' Grant to Reduce Alcohol Abuse Program.

What are the two programs, and what do they offer?

Leadership and Resiliency Program (LRP)

Activities	Outcomes (based on program research)
Weekly resiliency groups Weekly community service-learning activities Monthly adventure activities	Program participants realized: An increase of 0.8 in GPA (based on a 4.0 scale) A 60 % to 70 % increase in school attendance A 65 % to 70 % reduction in school behavioral incidents 100 % graduation rates

Project SUCCESS (PS)

Activities	Outcomes (based on program research)
Individual and group counseling Parent programs Referrals	Program participants showed: 37% overall decrease in substance use 23% of those using substances quit using A significant reduction in mean substance use among those participants who did not quit using

More information on these programs is available at http://modelprograms.samhsa.gov.

What will this look like in the schools?

SWHS, LMS, and Bayview will each have a Leadership and Resiliency Program Leader and Project SUCCESS Counselor in the building to run the program activities. These staff are here to support you in helping students achieve educational success.

How do I make a referral?

A short, user-friendly referral form is available in the school counseling office. This form will also be available electronically in the First Class News section for you to download. Please complete it and return to the school counselor to initiate a referral.

Who should I refer?

Students who are at-risk and/or disengaged. Appropriate reasons for referral include issues of attendance or discipline, academic failure, substance use, or concerns in other risk areas.

What this program is:

• A substance use prevention program.
• A way to support teachers in doing the job of teaching. These programs work to address obstacles to student learning and engaging in school.
• An opportunity for disengaged or at-risk students to engage in learning, counseling, community-based service-learning and adventure activities.

What this program is not:

• A substance abuse treatment program. When students require immediate treatment services, LACEP staff will work with school counselors to facilitate appropriate referral to community-based treatment providers.

Thank you for your collaboration as we work together to support South Whidbey students. For more information, please contact Project Director Susie Richards at 221-5100 or srichards@sw.wednet.edu.