Quarterly Report for Cooperative Agreement AID-523A-16-0001

Key achievements include the signing of agreements with Public Security Ministries in Nuevo León, Baja California, and Mexico City for the implementation of the JcR social reinsertion program for youth in conflict with the law. These agreements aim to prioritize non-custodial measures and incorporate the JcR program into alternative sentencing programs. JcR also made significant strides in impacting public education policy in Nuevo León and Baja California. The program received endorsements from school authorities to replicate its school continuity program in selected school zones in Tijuana and Monterrey. JcR will continue to implement the program in one community in each city and offer technical assistance and training to school teachers and authorities to replicate the dropout prevention model in nine schools. The Community Asset Building (CAB) approach, drawing from YouthBuild's experience in the U.S. and around the world, was strengthened in the three target cities. CAB projects were implemented in six out of nine target communities, motivating the active participation of youth in the reconstruction of their communities and providing visibility for the program and positive actions led by youth. The CAB methodology has proven to be successful in strengthening the self-confidence of young people and improving community relations. The Youth Center in Ecatepec was formally inaugurated during International Youth Day, marking a significant milestone for the program. The center was adapted from the Nacional Monte de Piedad center "Centro Creíble" after a community assessment performed by JcR implementing partner, SERAJ. The local JcR team began working in the area with a group of 25 youth in the rehabilitation of a community park. Nacional Monte de Piedad officially transferred three fully equipped training centers to YouthBuild International in a high-level event, receiving in-kind and cash transfers of close to $13 million pesos. The three centers, located in Monterrey, Ecatepec, and Merida, have been included in the JcR youth center network and will serve at-risk youth as a priority while maintaining some services to the general population. YouthBuild International also partnered with Fundación Alborada to launch JcR operations in Merida. Fundación Alborada will assume control of programs in the former NMP center and has a strong Board of Directors formed by CEOs and owners of some of the most important private sector companies in the region. JcR has initiated promising relations with the local government that could enhance and strengthen JcR's services and programs in Merida. The program grew its private partnership network with the support from GDA partner Prudential, developing a Community Engagement program with private companies. JcR engaged four important companies this quarter, including RGT, Construyendo y Creciendo, ADI, and Grupo Gigante, who will be the core partner for the development of the internship program. JcR also graduated the first group of youth trained in English by Prudential, achieving a retention rate of 90% of the enrolled students. A working group was established to collaborate with the consulting firm, CEES, that is leading the external evaluation of the program. The group includes representatives from JcR and CEES, aiming to ensure the success of the evaluation process.