ASK Program Participants

ASK Program participants range in age from 12-18 years old and most are enrolled in middle or high school. Historically ASK participants have been overwhelmingly African American boys, although the number of girls and Latino youth referred to ASK is on the rise. 

ASK participants, referred to the program by their probation officers, meet twice weekly in groups of 10-12 on the main campus of Georgetown University. The youths are matched with Georgetown University tutor-mentors for one-to-one tutoring sessions and small group activities on topics ranging from conflict mediation, interviewing and job-search skills, African-American history, and artistic expression to current events. Youths also participate in cultural and recreational activities such as trips to the theater and museums, as well as camping expeditions and community service projects. Staff members maintain contact with each youth's family, teachers, and probation officers.