Community Attendance Assistance Program

For too many of Southern California’s socio-economically disadvantaged students, life begins with an unfair burden: constant, early exposure to environments plagued by crime. This reality doesn’t just damage their childhood; it creates a cycle of risk. It pushes them toward chronic absenteeism, the silent enemy that destroys opportunity. When a student disappears from the classroom, the risks escalate dramatically. Studies show that chronic absence promotes social disengagement, makes them vulnerable to substance abuse, and even correlates with daytime burglary, dramatically increasing their path toward juvenile delinquency. Simply put, every missed day is a step closer to losing their future.

The Community Attendance Assistance Program (C.A.A.P.) is the lifeline designed to break this cycle. The primary focus of C.A.A.P. is to deter students from indulging in delinquent behaviors that result in poor academic performance, truancy, and negative interactions with the justice system. We equip students with the resources they need to succeed, helping them develop core education competencies and overcome the immense socio-economic challenges they face. C.A.A.P. understands that youth miss school for many reasons, which is why the program takes an individualized approach. We help students identify specific areas of academic weakness and attendance shortfalls, then tailor strategies to help each student correct those deficiencies and stay engaged in their education. We refuse to let these young lives be defined by their circumstances. By providing activities that are fun, engaging, educational, and culturally relevant, C.A.A.P. directly addresses the unique needs of this community. We are not just filling seats; we are filling the void left by disengagement, ensuring students feel seen, valued, and safe, and giving them the resilience and resources they need to choose the path of opportunity over the path of crime.

At the heart of C.A.A.P. is the Four E’s of Life Coaching Curriculum, which is designed to support students on their journey to success. Each student is assigned an Educational Life Coach, who helps guide them through the Four E’s: Existing Reality (understanding where they currently stand), Envision a Compelling Future (setting clear and inspiring goals), Execute an Action Plan (creating practical steps for success), and Evaluate Successes (reflecting on progress and areas for improvement). This comprehensive framework not only helps students improve their academic performance but also supports their personal growth and development.

In addition to the core life coaching curriculum, C.A.A.P. offers extended support for students and their families, reinforcing essential life skills. This holistic approach empowers students to build the confidence and skills necessary to overcome obstacles, stay in school, and thrive in both their academic and personal lives. Through this extensive support, C.A.A.P. ensures that youth have the tools they need to succeed, breaking the cycle of absenteeism and paving the way for brighter futures.

Volume 1 of Nigel O. Holly’s The 4 E’s of Life Coaching curriculum is now available digitally. To purchase your digital copy today, or for more information about getting the CAAP program started in your region, please contact us at admin@futureleaderscalifornia.org. 

To further support student engagement and development, C.A.A.P. offers three powerful auxiliary programs: Concrete Roses, Concrete Soldiers, and Young Entrepreneurs. These programs provide additional opportunities for students to grow in ways that are relevant to their lives and communities.

Concrete Roses is inspired by Tupac Shakur’s book The Rose That Grew from Concrete, which explores themes of resilience, overcoming adversity, and strength in the face of hardship. Concrete Roses empowers young women by building their confidence, resilience, and leadership abilities. Through mentorship, community service, and leadership training, Concrete Roses helps young women discover their potential and become strong, independent leaders.

Concrete Soldiers engages young men, emphasizing values of discipline, respect, teamwork, and community service. The program fosters a sense of brotherhood, encouraging young men to take pride in their contributions and to support one another as they work toward personal and academic success. Like Concrete Roses, Concrete Soldiers promotes resilience, helping participants overcome adversity and succeed in both school and life.

Young Entrepreneurs, now The Future Founders Club, equips students with the skills needed to explore and pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. The program teaches students about business planning, financial literacy, and creativity, helping them understand the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and empowering them to develop their own business ideas. By nurturing entrepreneurial thinking, this program fosters innovation and independence, providing students with the tools to create opportunities for themselves.

These auxiliary programs complement the core C.A.A.P. offerings, providing students with diverse avenues for personal and academic growth. Together, the Four E’s of Life Coaching, Concrete Roses, Concrete Soldiers, and Young Entrepreneurs form a comprehensive support system that helps students overcome the challenges of chronic absenteeism, improve their academic performance, and develop essential life skills. Through these initiatives, C.A.A.P. is helping students in Southern California stay engaged, build resilience, and achieve success.