Youth FORCE Program motivates and inspires Rashaud Marcelin to strive for greatness
The Children Services Council of Broward County has a Youth FORCE after-school program intended to aid middle school students and to allow them to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) curricula, as well as engage in activities that enhance their understanding of the community they live in and beyond.
Golf Stream Middle School student Rashaud Marcelin believes that the program keeps students engaged and enjoys attending, because “every year there’s something new and it keeps me intrigued, it keeps me wanting more.”
Rashaud has taken a hold of all the advantages and opportunities of the youth coalition by giving back to his local residents, speaking to senior citizens and reading to younger children. He says that going out into the community helps to build it stronger which is a passion of his. Rashaud is known by all as having a strong spirit and love for helping people.
“He is very helpful, there’s nothing that he would not do for anybody.” says his mother, Lathoya.
The Youth FORCE programs provide at-risk middle school students with year-round services designed to improve self-esteem, develop skills; and increases access to community resources in order to promote both current and future successes. Because of his goal of being a school administrator and police officer, the organization skills that are enforced by the program have helped him to start applying those habits into his daily life.
Each Youth FORCE program includes case management, cultural enrichment activities, counseling, academic services and supports, pregnancy and drug prevention education, and community service learning activities. Additional program components may include mentoring, employability skills training, health and fitness activities, life skills instruction and violence prevention. Rashaud’s mother had expressed her gratitude for the volunteers and organizers of the program for all the achievements that her son has made since joining.
“The program has impacted us a lot; it has given us a lot of togetherness. Whether we need help with food, we need help with our light bill, or we need help with clothing for Rashaud…it’s really wonderful and I really appreciates them.” said Lathoya.
