Youth Initiatives Project

Through quality services and programming, the youth of our next generation can achieve great things and prepare to compete in a Global economy. NSO’s YIP program encourages youth activism toward preventing gun violence and substance abuse in our communities. YIP’s training and technical assistance provide youth leaders with the skills to plan and organize activities that promote well-being and success in life. This proactive outreach includes youth forums, neighborhood marches, information distribution and campaigns like the annual Hugs Not Bullets youth anti-violence rally. Many YIP-trained peer educators are emerging leaders in the community, making a positive impact on young lives. With the support of additional funding, the YIP program has expanded to serve youth in the HOPE Village community in northwest Detroit.

In 2015, YIP youth-led awareness campaigns impacted and inspired more than 4,000 young people, helping them realize their dream of a safer community and a brighter future. The program also referred hundreds of students and helped them to secure employment. In helping to facilitate positive dreams of our youth, the YIP program was nationally recognized last year for innovative strategies for engaging males of color. 

Contact: 
Frank McGhee, Program Director
fmcghee@nso-mi.org

​Many of the young people in our Youth Initiatives Project see their neighbors and  peers drop out of high school, so I am especially proud of the majority of

​our kids who not only graduate, but go on to college with the confidence and leadership skills that will take them far in life.  - NSO Staff member