Project S.M.A.R.T.S. (Students Molding and Relating towards Success) is an innovative youth development program that aims to deliver prevention-oriented, linguistically and culturally competent services to low-income, at-risk Asian youth. Initiated in 2000, this successful program seeks to enhance youth’s self esteem and communication skills, build bridges of understanding with authority figures, reduce truancy, promote character development, and enable young people to develop life skills. Project S.M.A.R.T.S. is supported in part by the City of Houston.
Youth are often stressed by developmental demands, such as meeting parental expectations, avoiding peer pressure and temptations, traversing through romantic relationships, and dealing with bullying while trying to define their identity. For immigrant youth, these challenges are further compounded by the strain of adjusting to a new culture. However, obtaining basic skills in communication and relationship development can help youth grow into successful and happy adults.
Through Project S.M.A.R.T.S, AAFS aims to assist students in their adjustment to a new culture and to assist students in overcoming barriers to successfully undertake the unfamiliar expectations and responsibilities of their new environment.
Experienced professional staff will tailor the curriculum to the specific and unique needs of the program participants while incorporating appropriate elements from standardized national curricula.