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 return to school, work, family, and community life through structured reentry support, mentorship, accountability, guidance, and positive pathways forward.
Juvenile Reentry Program
Helping justice-involved youth address challenges early through mentoring, accountability, education, and community-based support that prevents deeper system involvement and encourages positive decision-making and growth.
Diversion Program
Providing structured youth development through mentoring, life coaching, education, and community-based intervention that builds confidence, responsibility, resilience, and stronger pathways toward long-term success.
Thrive Academy
Equipping students with literacy support, GED preparation, STEM, aviation, drone training, and certifications that strengthen academic performance and prepare youth for college, careers, and service.
Academic Enrichment
Introducing youth to hands-on learning in technology, drones, aviation, robotics, filmmaking, music production, and related fields that expand skills, certifications, and future career possibilities.
STEM
Providing hands-on workforce development, skilled-trades exposure, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship training that helps youth build career readiness, pursue employment, and move toward lasting self-sufficiency.
Trade Career Academy
Supporting youth, families, and neighborhoods through food distribution, school supplies, toy drives, community events, and practical resources that strengthen connection, stability, and local engagement.
Community Outreach
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.