Safe Schools/Healthy Children Initiative

• The Departments of Justice, Education and Health and Human Services have formed a partnership to provide funding for the Safe Schools/Healthy Students Initiative. Grant awards are provided to prevent violence and substance abuse among the teenage community. Schools can apply for a grant to implement preventative programs that address safe school environments, alcohol and drug prevention activities, or mental health services. School districts partner with local law enforcement, mental health authorities and community-based organizations to apply for the grant and to carry out program activities.
  
  

Youth Social Entrepreneur Competition

• Staples in partnership with Ashoka provides funding for the Youth Social Entrepreneur Competition. The competition awards young people who use technology to positively impact their communities. Teenagers aged 17 are eligible to apply for an award. The four finalists are invited on an all-expense paid trip to the annual Technonomy convention. Technology leaders attend this prestigious conference annually. The grand prize winner is presented with the Staples/Ashoka Youth Social Entrepreneur Award and a cash prize.
  
  

Upward Bound

• The Department of Education funds the Upward Bound Program. Program funds support low-income students who want to pursue a bachelor's degree at a college or university. The grant money must be used to provide academic instruction in math, science, literature and a foreign language to prepare high school students for college. The grant can also be used to provide tutoring, or counseling on college financial aid programs. Institutions of higher education, nonprofit and community-based organizations with experience serving disadvantaged youth are eligible for funding. The organization must serve youth between the ages of 13 and 19. Two-thirds of the students must be low-income and potential first-generation college students.
  
  

National Guard Youth Challenge Program

• The Department of Defense's National Guard Youth Challenge is a co-ed residential program for teens who have dropped out of high school and need support to get back on the right track. The 17 1/2-month program is for teens aged 16 to 18 years old. The program helps them obtain their GED in a quasi-military environment. The $14,000 tuition, room and board is covered through federal and state funding. The program accepts teens that are drug-free and not in trouble with the law. Participation in the Youth Challenge Program is voluntary.