Proposing the Grant

Where are they?

At-risk youth are located throughout the [community name] community. However, there is a concentration of at-risk youth in the [neighborhood name] neighborhood.

When is the problem evident?

The problem of at-risk youth dropping out of school is evident year-round. However, the problem is particularly acute during the school year.

What is the problem?

At-risk youth in the [community name] community are not receiving the academic support they need to succeed in school. This is because there is currently no community-wide tutoring program for high school students. As a result, many at-risk youth are falling behind academically and are at risk of dropping out of school.

Why does the problem exist?

There are a number of reasons why at-risk youth in the [community name] community are not receiving the academic support they need to succeed in school. One reason is that many at-risk youth come from low-income families who cannot afford to pay for private tutoring services. Another reason is that many at-risk youth are not aware of the resources that are available to them.

What evidence is there to support the claim that at-risk youth in the [community name] community are not receiving the academic support they need to succeed in school?

The following evidence supports the claim that at-risk youth in the [community name] community are not receiving the academic support they need to succeed in school:

• The drop-out rate in the [community name] school district is 30%, which is significantly higher than the state average of 20%.
• At-risk youth are disproportionately represented in the drop-out population.
• There is currently no community-wide tutoring program for high school students in the [community name] community.
• A recent survey of at-risk youth in the [community name] community found that 75% of respondents said that they needed academic support but did not have access to it.

What will happen if the problem is not resolved?

If the problem of at-risk youth dropping out of school is not resolved, it will have a number of negative consequences for the [community name] community. First, it will lead to a decrease in the number of educated and skilled workers in the community. Second, it will increase the crime rate and poverty rate in the community. Third, it will decrease the overall quality of life in the community.

How is the problem linked to your organization?

Your organization is dedicated to helping at-risk youth succeed in school and in life. The problem of at-risk youth dropping out of school is directly aligned with your organization's mission and goals.

What do you need the money for specifically?

The money raised from this grant will be used to fund a new tutoring program for at-risk youth in the [community name] community. The program will provide free tutoring to at-risk youth in grades 9-12. The program will also provide students with access to other resources, such as academic counseling and career counseling.

Conclusion

The problem of at-risk youth dropping out of school is a serious one. However, it is a problem that can be solved with the right resources. The tutoring program that your organization is proposing will provide at-risk youth in the [community name] community with the academic support they need to succeed in school and in life.

In addition to the above, here are some other specific things that you could mention in your problem/need statement:

• The impact that dropping out of school has on at-risk youth's future earnings and employment opportunities.
• The link between dropping out of school and other social problems, such as crime and unemployment.
• The benefits of education for both individuals and society as a whole.
• The importance of investing in at-risk youth and helping them to reach their full potential.

You should also be sure to tailor your problem/need statement to the specific grant that you are applying for. Be sure to read the grant guidelines carefully and make sure that your problem/need statement is aligned with the goals of the grant program.