Right Moves For Youth was founded in 1993 by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police
Officer Dave Scheppegrell and Charlotte businessman Frank Bragg. Since
that time, Right Moves For Youth has employed a unique collaboration with the
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, the
Mecklenburg County Sherriff's Office along with other community partners to help
students improve their school attendance, behavior and academic performance.
Officer Scheppegrell conceived the idea of working with students in a group setting to provide them with the encouragement, support and resources they need to be successful students. The RMFY club concept fosters a sense of belonging and peer support that not only builds self-esteem but is also a proven deterrent from gang activity and juvenile delinquency. RMFY club members are taught the importance of social tolerance through involvement with clubs consisting of culturally diverse students who may present any of the following characteristics:
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Students with excessive absences and/or tardiness
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Students with excessive office referrals and/or suspensions
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Students who display inappropriate social behavior
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Students who exhibit low self-esteem
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Students who display a negative attitude
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Students who come from an unstable home environment
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Students who consistently perform below grade level
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Students who have been retained
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Students who score at Level 2 or below on End-Of-Grade tests
Following the concept of positive re-enforcement for appropriate behavior, the
RMFY "Pay-to-Play" philosophy rewards students for their achievements by
providing opportunities to participate in a variety of recreational and cultural
events. Students who "pay" by improving their attendance, behavior and/or
academic performance are rewarded with various opportunities to "play".
Each year, hundreds of Right Moves For Youth students
participate in community service projects that foster a sense of civic
responsibility and affords each student the opportunity to feel like a valuable
asset to his/her community. RMFY club members are also given the opportunity to
explore a variety of future educational and career options.
Likewise, our high school graduates may apply for
college scholarships granted to RMFY club members.
Currently, Right Moves For Youth operates in more than 70 school-based sites
with a volunteer base of more than 350 individuals. Utilizing a character
education curriculum designed specifically for Right Moves For Youth, our
dedicated volunteers promote positive youth development by enhancing
participants' academic accomplishments, leadership ability, life skills
awareness, self-esteem, civic responsibility and cultural awareness.