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In 2014, we formed Stay Positive Clairton, a youth leadership group based on the positive deviance model of finding and spreading existing solutions to problems.

Pictured is Youth Opportunities Development Ambassador Jaden McDougald with 2nd graders. On December 7, Youth Opportunities Development’s Operation Warm Clairton, a youth-designed and led coat giveaway, gave coats to 2nd grade students at Clairton Elementary School.

This leadership group consists of high school age students who design, plan and implement their own community improvement projects. Over the past two years, projects have included drug awareness, black history, health and fitness, and reading programs that have served over 700 individuals. We have a very good relationship with the Clairton Education Center, allowing our group to work within the school for several these projects.

Our leadership members have also established a list of Principles for Success that are to be followed by all members of the group:
• Academic achievement
• Avoiding drugs and alcohol
• Working to reduce violence
• Respecting others
• Mentoring the next generation

Based on high demand, we also have expanded to include junior members (4th-8th grade) that commit to our principles, attend weekly programming and workshops, and assist with service projects within the community. A large focus of our program revolves around educational outcomes of attendance, grades, and behavior in school. Our group has approximately 35 total active youth members. Through the fundraising efforts of our group and the generous contributions of the local community, we raised $1,400 to be able to purchase enough coats for 72 students.

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