YouthBASE

YouthBASE is an intensive behavior support program for high-risk children in grades 1 through 5 in Greenville County, South Carolina. The non-profit program located in downtown Greenville blends traditional after-school activities such as arts and crafts, computer lab, and homework time with research-based intervention programs such as therapeutic arts, reading intervention and anger management. The BASE in YouthBASE stands for the program's four support areas - Behavioral, Academic, Social and Emotional. In this video, YouthBASE Executive and Program Director Bobby Caples talks about the success of the cutting-edge program, citing a 60 percent reduction in behavior problems and a 60 percent increase in reading fluency at the first major program evaluation. YouthBASE uses iPhones and iPod touches to capture data each time there are behavioral issues. The data is analyzed and can determine when improvements are made per child, per program area or in the overall program. Also in this video, viewers visit the YouthBASE computer lab, library, art room, classroom, and music production lab. YouthBASE is open after school from 2:30pm until 8:30pm, on weekends, and during the summer. A unique program that blends best practices and love, YouthBASE helps behavioral and academic change take hold sooner and last longer. The organization is open to volunteers who may wish to spend an evening each week with children, sponsor a meal, or get involved with a YouthBASE impact team.