Youth

Asbury Park has a proportion of young people that is typical for New Jersey (23%) and the country (24%), but the West Side and Lincoln Village in particular have substantially higher proportions of people under the age of 18. Planning for youth development will be critical, as has already been expressed by residents.
There are a number of local organizations that provide much-needed services for youth. The Boys and Girls Club of Monmouth County, located within the Choice Neighborhood boundary, provides programming and character development opportunities for underprivelaged young people. Covenant House, an organization that caters to homeless youth, is located in Newark but has been increasing its presence in Asbury Park. The overarching concern is that young people have access to productive and enriching activities and avoid destructive choices.

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TOP ISSUES IDENTIFIED BY WORKING GROUP

  • Awareness of existing programs
  • Transportation/access to programs
  • New programs for underserved age groups
  • Pathways to employment and higher education
Youth Population <18

Asbury Park 24%
West Side 33%
Lincoln Village 42%
Key Programs

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB

  • College Bound: Mentoring and scholarship
  • Girls on the Run: 10-week empowerment program
  • SMART Girls: Encouraging healthy attitudes and lifestyles
  • Gang Prevention guidance and support
  • Passport to Manhood: promoting positive values and behavior

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS

  • One-on-one mentoring for youth ages 6-14
  • High school student mentors for middle and elementary school students
  • Site-based mentoring (often through schools)

INTERFAITH NEIGHBORS

  • Monmouth County Youth Corps: serves ages 16-25 who have not completed high school
  • Junior Entrepreneur Training (JET) program: business skills course for middle school students
  • Street Outreach Team

PREVENTION FIRST

  • LifeSkills Training: Substance abuse prevention program for middle school students
  • Project Vision: Life skills program for at-risk youth ages 11-16
  • Safe Dates: Healthy relationship curriculum
  • Wea��re Not Buying It: Media awareness program

COVENANT HOUSE

Local and Regional Youth Assets

Youth Outlook

0%
...of students in Asbury Park are overweight or obsese.
0%
...of seniors at Asbury Park High School graduated in 2015.
0%
...of Asbury Park children live in poverty, which is double the statewide figure.
The Community Says...

  • AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMMING is lacking and has decreased in recent years
  • LACK OF TRUST between generations
  • OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADVANCEMENT are lacking in Asbury Park
  • OPEN SPACE ON SCHOOL GROUNDS are locked outside of school hours

Feedback from a September 29, 2016 community listening session

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