DESCRIPTION
As a prevention strategy, Let It Ride • Game Ready 4 Life attempts to mitigate the effects poverty on the quality of life experiences and well-being of youth with social economic histories of being at risk. It is a work-based learning and occupational skills program, designed as an alternative program with social recreational options, fellowship benefiting both individuals and the groups as a peer support club. Youth are involved in the following occupational work experience areas: outdoor skills such as recreation, park management, conservation, graphic design, video production, theater, creative and business writing. It attempts to bridge the employment gaps between economically-challenged families and their counterparties. Let It Ride involves youth in basic skills, enhancement, work readiness skills, occupational skills, life skills and other competencies needed to be productive not only as an individual, but within one’s family and the community at large.

This program does not offer credentialing to its participants, however all youth receive a certificate of completion.

After completion participant are proficient in the basic skills associated with:

• Video - Pre & Post production to include lighting and editing techniques
• Theater- Script development, stage management, set design
• Graphic Design – Layout, Illustration Techniques and composition
• Creative Writing – Editing, Technical writing skills, fundamentals of English grammar

The program is in association with Cleveland Treatment Center’s Hooked On Fishing, Not On Drugs Program. Hooked On Fishing, Not On Drugs at the Cleveland Treatment Center is a primary prevention and early intervention program. It targets youth as an early intervention strategy involved with ATODs, violence, trafficking, and those that need minimal intervention. Let It Ride • Game Ready 4 Life serves as a viable “Rites to Passage” strategy that engage those Hooked On Fishing, Not On Drugs and other youth that have demonstrated growth and a willingness to work and learn. It is also possible by the City of Cleveland, Department of Economic Development and Cuyahoga County, Department of Workforce Development.