Youth violence is a widespread public health problem that negatively affects youth, families, and communities (Center for Disease Control, 2019). Homicide is the third leading cause of death for young people ages 10 to 24 communities (Center for Disease Control, 2019). There were 36 youth homicides in Lexington, KY in the past 3 years. Each day, about 13 youth die from homicide and more than 1,300 are treated in emergency departments for violence-related injuries communities (Center for Disease Control, 2019). Despite these staggering statistics, preventing youth violence is possible. Research indicates that student engagement keeps children preoccupied and away from crime and other risky behaviors. Youth violence is a serious problem that can have lasting harmful effects. The goal for youth violence prevention is simple, to stop youth violence from happening from the beginning. Kentucky State University in partnership with Community Inspired Solutions is committed to doing our part by keeping students actively engaged in positive activities!

Community Inspired Solutions, Inc. was established in July 2014 to work with youth by providing opportunities and alternatives for them to steer away from negative lifestyle choices. CIS/Boys and Girls Club is a mentoring and tutoring program. CIS’s mission is to help decrease violence in their community of Lexington, KY and support families to help them become productive members of society.  

Kentucky State University collaborated with Community State University in the fall of 2017 as a result of the Children Families at Risk Grant. Kentucky State University has been involved with this grant since 2014. As a result of this partnership, not only were students engaged during this reporting period but parents also actively engaged in the program as well. During this reporting period, we have engaged parents in a number of ways. Parent participation increased by 30%. Participants also increased their cultural awareness. Parents and participants learned about various cultures throughout the year. In January, multiple parents accompanied their child (ren) to the cultural educational experience to the National Underground Railroad Museum in Cincinnati. Many parents reported they “Learned something new.” One such parent, (Alicia Brown) stated that “Although I learned about the Underground Railroad growing up I learned so much more on the trip. To be able to visualize hiding places used by the Conductors to protect runaways in their homes was new. Also to learn the areas of my home state that were a part of the railroad, and see actual houses that were stations was very educational.”   She also stated that she “originally signed her grandchild up for the program but loved it so much that she became a volunteer.” She stated that she has “learned so much and looks forward to coming to the program each week.” Another grandparent stated “My grandsons have been coming to CIS for 3 years and have come a long way since that first day. They did not have kids to play with or talk to that lived around them.  Not only do they have friend to be with every Tuesday, they love coming and having a good time. This was the best thing that ever happened to them”

CIS Students tour the National Underground Museum in Cincinnati, OH

CIS Students tour the National Underground Museum in Cincinnati, OH

CIS UConnect Students Learned About Slavery at the National Underground Railroad Museum in Cincinatti.