Four local high school students are stepping into leadership roles at Project Reclaim, serving as mentors and role models for younger participants while gaining workplace experience of their own.
Jonathan Cooksey, Jamarion Levy, Matthew Anderson, and Kamrynn Harris serve as Youth Aides in Project Reclaim’s Leadership Academy. The program began using Youth Aides this school year to assist in its Afterschool Program, leadership and social skills sessions, and service-learning activities.
“The reason we wanted to use Youth Aides in the program is to have good role models for the younger students, and to give the younger students something to aspire to,” said Executive Director Ron Anderson.
To qualify, students must demonstrate good grades, strong character and a willingness to serve. All four Youth Aides are high school honor students who also participate in extracurricular activities. Many were already involved in Project Reclaim before stepping into their new roles.
With 27 to 30 students attending afterschool sessions and three instructors on staff, Anderson said the additional help has been valuable. Youth Aides assist with homework, help younger children learn sight words, and provide support wherever needed. They complete timesheets and receive a stipend, giving them early exposure to workplace expectations and responsibility.
“They’re doing a phenomenal job. I’m really proud of them,” Anderson said.
Beyond daily assistance, Anderson said the Youth Aides serve a broader purpose in the community.
“We’ve got to rewrite the narrative,” he said. “When people think about young people in the community, they may buy into the negativity that’s promoted about our young people — when there’s some great young people out there. A lot of times they don’t get the attention.”
Referring to students making the honor roll, he added, “I think that should be lauded, applauded, and recognized. We’re working hard to rewrite the narrative; we want people to see the value in the young people that we are working with.”
Cooksey, a 10th grader who joined Project Reclaim last year, and Anderson, an 11th grader who has participated in the program since third grade, said they enjoy helping younger students. They work three days a week from about 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM.
Both said mentoring helps them stay focused on their own academics. Cooksey noted that assisting younger students sometimes reinforces lessons he had previously learned but forgotten. Working with children has also given them a new appreciation for educators.
“I see what the teachers go through,” said Cooksey.
In their free time, both enjoy sports, video games and spending time with friends. Looking ahead, both expressed interest in pursuing sports. Cooksey also hopes to open a landscaping business one day, while Anderson would like to learn how to develop video games.
Cooksey said one of his favorite aspects of Project Reclaim is its environment.
“It’s motivational. They try to keep everything positive,” he said.
“It’s a good place to go if you need help with anything,” Anderson added.
Project Reclaim continues to report strong outcomes. During the 2024-2025 year, 100% of participating students remained in school, 99% were promoted to the next grade, 100% remained free from juvenile court involvement ,and 100% were not involved in teen pregnancy, according to Anderson.
He described the program as a cost-effective investment, noting that housing a youth in a Louisiana juvenile facility costs more than $400 per day, or more than $154,000 per year. In comparison, Project Reclaim can serve one youth for a year for a little more than $700, or about $2 per day.
Due to its success, the program currently has a waiting list. Anderson said he is always seeking volunteers willing to share knowledge or skills with students. Those interested may contact him at 318-423-4987.