“C.G Smith programs really changed my life for the better.”
Academic achievement is strongly linked to emotional and behavioral health, and for students who struggle with behavioral and emotional challenges, their academic performance can suffer. Some studies suggest that 12 to 30 percent of U.S. school-age children and youth experience at least moderate behavioral, social, or emotional problems. These challenges can lead to a decline in relationships with peers, family and community.
Behavior and emotional problems can also lead to significant academic challenges causing youth to fall behind in school, have gaps in their learning and later intellectual deficiencies. Parents and teachers often feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to help.
For youth to lead happy productive lives and become healthy contributing members of their community, they and their families need access to youth empowerment programs as well as academic, behavior and emotional supports.