A new program for troubled teens in California is seeing some good results. PRIDE - which stands for Pico Rivera Individual Development in Ethics - is a nine week program that partners at-risk teens with mentors and gets them involved in community activities.

"The youths are taken to bowling nights and movies, as well as Skid Row in Los Angeles and the county morgue. One important event in the program includes being 'arrested' and kept in jail for a few hours, to show the teens what the experience is like."

More than a "scared-straight" program, the overall goal of PRIDE is to motivate kids to do well in school and go on to college. PRIDE participants are referred by teachers, principals and parents.

Labels: education, motivation, support