Character Development in Schools Program (CDSP)

Using the nationally acclaimed curriculum "Character First", Urban Outreach provides four person teams to facilitate in-school mentoring, student advocacy, and character education during and after school hours in its Character Development  in Schools Program (CDSP).  The character development training and counseling are provided for school children who are on the verge of being expelled, dropping out or being sent to alternative schooling.  Forty-nine character qualities are taught and a certificate is awarded upon completion of the program.

UOI is proud of the strong working relationship forged with community schools, specifically in the Near North Side and Heights area public schools.  Several schools request UOI to coordinate their "Character First" program.  Currently in four schools, more than 350 students participate in the program.  

 UOI plans to more than double the number of schools served over the next five years.  The CDSP has helped these troubled students transform past academic failure into strong, passing grades and to positively modify their negative behavior.