Our Programs
Programs That Meet Youth, Families, and Communities Where They Are
Jacob's Ladder Youth Foundation provides programs that support youth development, family strengthening, education, workforce exposure, community outreach, and positive pathways for young people across Prince George's County and surrounding communities.
Programs That Meet Real Community Needs
Jacob's Ladder offers nine programs designed to support youth, strengthen families, and create positive pathways for the community.
From juvenile reentry and diversion support to STEM, trades, academic enrichment, family engagement, scholarships, and community events, the organization adapts to meet the real needs of the people it serves.
Jacob's Ladder is an approved credible messenger program with Maryland's Department of Juvenile Services.
Helping justice involved youth successfully reintegrate into school, work, and community life. During this reporting period, our Juvenile Reentry Program served 20 youth.
84% did not have negative contact with law enforcement while in our program
68% attended school on a regular basis
82% participated in community outreach events
Juvenile Reentry and Diversion Programs
Helping youth address behavioral challenges early through support, accountability, mentorship, and positive intervention before deeper system involvement.
Diversion Program
A structured youth development program connected to reentry support, education, life coaching, and community-based intervention.
Thrive Academy
Equipping students with literacy development, GED preparation, STEM, aviation, and drone training and certifications to prepare them for college, career pathways, and long-term success. During this reporting period, our Academic Enrichment Program served 50 youth.
All students advanced to the next grade level or graduated from high school
All students improved their overall grades
Six entered the U.S. Military
Eight students were accepted into college
Academic Enrichment
Exposing youth to hands-on learning through technology, drones, aviation, robotics, filmmaking, music production, trades, certifications, and future career pathways.
STEM
Providing hands on workforce development, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship training to promote upward mobility and self-sufficiency. During this reporting period, our Trade Career Academy and Junior Workforce Academy served 25 youth.
Several participants secured seasonal or part-time employment
Many participants expressed interest in pursuing trade careers
Trade Career Academy and Junior Workforce Academy
Supporting families and communities through food distribution, toy drives, back-to-school events, school supplies, holiday support, and local engagement.
Community Outreach
Enhancing communication, accountability, and stability within families through evidence-based workshops. During this reporting period, our Family Strengthening Program served 10 families.
Increased parental engagement and participation
Improved family communication, conflict resolution, and overall household stability
Strengthened parenting skills, resulting in better youth behavior and decision-making
Family Strengthening Program
Our ongoing programs include:
• Juvenile Reentry and Diversion Programs: Helping justice involved youth successfully reintegrate into school, work, and community life.
• Trade Career Academy and Junior Workforce Academy: Providing hands on workforce development, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship training to promote upward mobility and self-sufficiency.
• Academic Enrichment Program: Equipping students with literacy development, GED preparation, STEM, and aviation to prepare them for college, career pathways, and long-term success.
• Family Strengthening Program: Enhancing communication, accountability, and stability within families through evidence based workshops. We partner with the Prince George’s County Health Department and Community Advocates for Family & Youth (CAFY) for this program.
As of December 3, 2025, Jacob’s Ladder has directly served more than 525 youth and families across its core programs, including Academic Enrichment (125 youth), Juvenile Reentry (62 youth), Diversion (128 youth), Trade Career (102 youth), Junior Workforce Academy (90 youth), and Family Strengthening (18 families). Through these programs, participants have reengaged in education, secured employment, and improved family stability, contributing to individual and community wealth.