Building Up a Community by Empowering Disadvantaged Youth

Abstract

“The first impression is that Marin is a wealthy community, but if you dig in, you find a significant population of poor families here. And there is a very big need to address them.”
                                                                  – Michael Watenpaugh, Superintendent of San Rafael City Schools

When you enter the grounds of Marin County Community School (MCCS), you see security patrolling the premises. The students may be on probation, house arrest, or have general behavior issues deemed unfit for regular public school. High-risk youth in Marin County generally are referred to MCCS, an alternative education facility, in hopes of providing the student a second chance to earn a high school diploma and a better future. MCCS, located in San Rafael, California provides an educational program geared towards intensive instruction in English/Language Arts and Mathematics with a focus on developing pro-social skills through the integration of services that address an array of issues such as mental health, aggression, substance abuse, and occupational programs. MCCS partners with many social behavior programs in order to establish a better learning environment.