How the Becoming a Man program reduces youth violence and increases school engagement

How the Becoming a Man program reduces youth violence and increases school engagement
How the Becoming a Man program reduces youth violence and increases school engagement

How the Becoming a Man program reduces youth violence and increases school engagement

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How often do you hear the phrase think before you act? It’s something kids and adolescents are told time and again. With Chicago gun violence making headlines across the country, lots of people are calling for reforms to reduce violence and make communities safer. And one approach is called slow thinking. The concept is taught in the Youth Guidance Becoming A Man (B.A.M.) Program in Chicago Public Schools. A study out of the University of Chicago found that BAM helps reduce arrests, while increasing school engagement and graduation rates. Two guests shared insight on slow thinking and how it’s being taught to Chicago students: University of Chicago Booth School of Business professor Anuj Shah, one of the researchers behind the study and BAM program manager Phillip Cusic.