The Girls Empowerment & Movement Class (GEM) was created to establish a safe haven for conversation and expressive art through movement. Sign up encouraged.
9-12
C.H.O.I.C.E.S
High Risk Youth Mentoring Program
Creating Hope, Opportunity, Inspiring, Change, Excellence & Success
The CHOICES skill and mentor program is a multifaceted, relationship-centered initiative that focuses on the strengths of
at-promise and opportunity youth to build individualized pathways to success.
At the heart of CHOICES is a commitment to building authentic, consistent relationships by pairing participants with
carefully vetted mentors with lived experience-ensuring guidance that is both credible and compassionate.
Through education, mediation, advocacy, mentorship and community connection, CHOICES empower young people to
break the cycles of negative behaviors and fixed mindset thinking while cultivating a growth-oriented outlook. By helping
participants recognize their strengths and make positive, intentional decisions, CHOICES equips youth with the tools
necessary to embrace their potential and create lasting, meaningful change in their lives and communities.
Juvenile Court Diversion Program
The MPAL restorative justice Juvenile Court Diversion program offers first time, non-violent offenders a second chance to make a positive choice. In lieu of court, referred youth will receive an intake, including a drug and alcohol screen, discuss their offense with a panel of community members, receive consequences and participate in required check ins over a 3-6 month period. MPAL is working in conjunction with SNHU and a large number of Manchester non profits to create a network of support, based on needs and strengths, to provide a true community lift to these high risk adolescents.
MPAL Ambassadors Program
Ambassadors Program offers motivated 14-18 year olds the opportunity to develop their life skills while sharing what makes MPAL great with the community. Participants work on skills such as public speaking, job interviewing, resume building, food service, effective communication/conflict resolution and kitchen/ food safety. MPAL Ambassadors will practice what they have learned at experiential outings, community events, and at MPAL’s fundraising event, the Ambassadors Dinner. Sign up required.
MPAL Cooking
Participants 8 years and up work with local professional chefs to increase culinary skills, learn simple recipes and increase knowledge of food and kitchen safety. Several times a year, the class will prepare meals for a table full of police department representatives. Kids share what they have prepared and stay to have conversations with the officers. Sign up required.
MPAL Athletics
MPAL’s athletic programs give youth the chance to move, grow, and challenge themselves while building confidence, character, and a strong sense of community. Every program is rooted in respect, responsibility, and teamwork, with supportive coaches and mentors helping participants discover their strengths both on and off the mat.
Current offerings include Aikido, Boxing, Indoor Soccer (grades 2–4), Skateboarding, Wrestling, and S.H.E. (Strong. Healthy. Empowered.), a girls-only wellness program focused on strength, confidence, and self-esteem. From learning discipline and focus through martial arts and boxing, to teamwork and energy-filled play on the soccer field, to creativity and skill-building in our indoor skatepark, MPAL programs meet youth where they are and help them level up in a safe, encouraging environment.
All programs are free, with registration required.
Private Lessons
MCMS offers high quality musical instruction on every instrument including voice.
Music Ensembles
The Music School offers numerous opportunities for students and adults to learn and perform together. Ensembles include orchestra, concert band, choirs, jazz ensemble, rock and blues, percussion, and flute ensembles.
Music Therapy
Music Therapy is an established health profession in which a music therapist uses music and all of its attributes, to help clients meet non-musical goals. These goal areas include, but are not limited to: physical/motor development, cognitive functioning, social-emotional awareness, and communication skills. Playing and/or listening to music activates both hemispheres of the brain simultaneously, opening up new pathways to learn or re-learn skills and is universally accessible.
Queen City Music & Leadership Program
This program gives students grades 6-9 the opportunity to learn how to play an instrument, participate in small group lessons, have guided practice time, play in ensembles, and participate in leadership building opportunities. This program is grant subsidized, and focuses on creating access for students who might need financial assistance.
Earn and Learn Opportunities Program
Granite State Independent Living’s Earn and Learn Opportunities Program provides extended learning opportunities (ELO’s) that combine soft skills training and education with on-the-job training for at-risk high school students with disabilities.
Afterschool Troops
Afterschool Troops in several schools for the year, and several troops through 21C Summer programs, several troops in other youth-based organizations, and the Discovery Zone at the Mall of NH where there are free programs for girls, plus we have a robust network of community troops led by volunteers in Manchester, STEM Mobile that brings STEM programs straight to girls, and a Day Camp where girls can attend summer camp (Camp Kettleford)
GEAR UP NH
GEAR UP New Hampshire is one of two grant initiatives within the New Hampshire GEAR UP Alliance. This Federal grant program is designed to help students prepare for and succeed after high school. Participating students will receive services ranging from academic support, career exploration, and college planning. GEAR UP New Hampshire will serve approximately 4,000 students across 15 middle schools, using a cohort model following current 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students through their first year of college. In addition to training and resources, GEAR UP New Hampshire offers scholarships for eligible students who remain in state for college!
FIRST Program Teams
FIRST programs inspire innovation and leadership through engaging, hands-on robotics challenges developed to ignite curiosity and passion in students in grades K-12. Programs include FIRST LEGO League, FIRST Tech Challenge, and FIRST Robotics Competition.
City of Manchester Office of Youth Services
Crisis Intervention and Referral, Middle School – Outreach: school and community based interventions, High School – Wrap for Youth Resilience (WYR): school based supports and intervention, Summer and vacation athletic and enrichment programs. All programs are free.
Services for refugees and other immigrants
BCNH helps refugees and other immigrants navigate their way to safe, healthy, productive, prosperous, and connected lives in New Hampshire. The organization’s case managers are refugees and immigrants themselves and speak the languages of Manchester’s largest refugee communities. For a complete list of services, please visit www.bcinnh.org.