Evidence-Based Outcomes

Through independent evaluations measuring the effectiveness of Life Directions programs, researchers at Loyola University, the University of Michigan and Chicago Public Schools all concluded that our participants grow in responsibility, compassion and values. The most recent evaluation of the Peer Motivation and Peer Mentor programs indicated that high school students and 8th graders grow in both academic and social outcomes.

Academic Motivation

  • 93% of participating eighth-graders stay in school.
  • 62% of participating students increased their percentile rank in reading comprehension.
  • 82% of participating students increased their percentile rank in mathematics.

Social

  • 74% increase taking responsibility for their future .
  • 68% of participating students are more likely to consider consequences before acting.
  • 68% of participating students increase involvement in extracurricular activities.

Program Outcomes include:

  • 70% of achieving students will teach their peers the four core values to encourage turning obstacles into opportunities.
  • 70% of achieving students will increase their disciplined approach toward homework.

Life Directions Produces Results: 83% of all contributions are spent on programs.

ALEXIS

ALEXIS

10th Grade Western International High School

Secretary of the Youth Board

Alexis joined Life Directions during her 9th grade year through participation in the Peer Motivation Program. She has been actively advocating and creating awareness of Life Directions youth board and programs in her school. Alexis was employed through the summer of 2017 and plans to return during the next summer to work alongside her Life Directions peers and staff. Alexis will pursue a career as a veterinarian and is ecstatic to have been recommended to serve as a mentor for 8th graders from her former middle school. With nearly perfect attendance to all Life Directions out of school activities, and playing a key role in the planning of different event. “My goal is to recruit more people to Life Directions so they can benefit like I have. More people should know about Life Directions.”- Alexis Watkins

ANAHI

ANAHI

11th Grade Western International High School

Treasurer of the Youth Board

Anahi was recruited by a peer to the youth board during her 10th grade year after completing the Peer Motivation Program. She was highly recommended by her teacher to serve as a mentor for 8th graders, and is currently working with an adult mentor from the community in . Anahi is undecided about her career choice but is open to many possibilities, she enjoys taking pictures, nature, and spending time with friends and family. When Anahi first joined Life Directions she never imagined herself speaking in front of the board of directors at one of their meetings, however gaining this exposure has increased her ability to talk to new people; making her summer job much easier. She mentored an 8th grader during her 10th grade year who has now become a very good friend of hers. “I can inspire my high school peers by being a role model.”-Anahi Gonsalez

KEONNA

KEONNA

12th Grade Western International High School

Co-Chair of the Youth Board

Keonna has been involved with Life Directions since her 9th grade year, when she participated in the Peer Motivation Program. From there she joined the youth board and has played a key role in its expansion, with its out of school involvement . She has mentored 8th graders for two years and plans to continue her impactful work until she graduates from Western High School. She is currently pursuing a career in the medical field and participates in the perspective vocational education courses offered at her HS. Keonna is a peer mentor for the younger youth board members and enjoys lending a helping hand. Her determination makes her a great advocate for Life Directions! Keonna is constantly recruiting new youth board members and summer youth employees. Keonna’s ” I want to be on the Life Directions youth board because I want to see and help my peers grow.”-Keonna Farmer

HORACIO

HORACIO

12th Grade Western International High School

Social Media Co-Chair of the Youth Board

Horacio has been involved with Life Directions since his 9th grade year where he participated in the Peer Motivation Program. Since then Horacio has been active in Life Directions out of school event, field trips, and on its youth board. He is pursuing a career in chemical engineering and participates in robotics. Horacio currently participates in a six-month Saturday series of High School Science and Technology Program through Ford Motor Co., alongside other participants of Life Directions. In an effort to provide opportunities to youth from the community we serve. Horacio’s favorite quote “If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants” by Isaac Newton.

JULIAN

JULIAN

9th Grade Western International High School

Co-Chair of the Youth Board

Julian participated in Life Directions Peer Mentor Program as an 8th grader. He and classmate were mentored by a certified peer achiever (high school student) who was recommended for this purpose by his teacher upon completion of the Peer Motivation Program. Following the program, Julian applied for summer employment with Life Directions and had the opportunity to job shadow marketing young professionals at Real Integrated. They became his mentors and pending successful completion of the Peer Motivation Program, during the 2017-18 school year, Julian plans on mentoring 8th graders as well. As Co-Chair of the Peacebuilders Youth Board, Julian a peer co-chair takes turns creating the agenda, he communicates meeting and event reminders, proposes ideas for fundraising, volunteering, and youth board team building activities.“I can inspire my high school peers by making them happy”.- Julian Garza