Our communities are best protected when at-risk youth are provided with the opportunities and tools they need not only to beat the odds, but also to change them. San Francisco District Attorney Kamala D. Harris created Changing the Odds, an innovative initiative intended to strategically couple education, summer employment support and mentorship opportunities for at-risk youth exiting the juvenile justice system.
Changing the Odds provides youth with a rigorous, three-month, paid internship/employment at San Francisco businesses, both within the private sector and in key City departments. The program is designed to prepare these young men and women to successfully re-enter their communities with the skills and support necessary to obtain gainful employment.
The District Attorney’s Office has developed thriving partnerships with local businesses, non profits and workforce development agencies to provide this population with training, living-wage summer employment, housing assistance, clothing, child care and ongoing mentorship opportunities.
Partners include Goodwill Industries, Family School/STRIVE, Jewish Vocational Services, Powell’s Restaurant, MUNI, Department of Child Support Services, Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice, Juvenile Probation Department and Butler Enterprises, EM Interest Inc, and Team Golden Gate/Dominoes.