Chicago CeaseFire High School Violence Prevention Program

Formed in 1995, the Chicago Project for Violence Prevention/CeaseFire takes a strategic public health approach to violence prevention. CeaseFire seeks out those who are at highest risk for shooting or getting shot. Those at risk are linked with an outreach worker who work with them to get on a more positive path. Orr Academy High School on Chicago's Westside partnered with CeaseFire to reengage students with criminal records. Orr High School has a “Transition Academy” that functions as an alternative school within the school to keep higher risk students in school longer, so they don't go from suspension to expulsion to arrest. Students that missed up to 80 days in prior school years have missed no more than 8 this school year. Seven of 12 were suspended for assault last year. None have been suspended this year. The combination between the Orr Academy High School Transition Academy, and the CeaseFire intervention gives students who previously had no hope of academic success a real shot at attaining a high school diploma, and of having goals and dreams beyond the streets. Students that attend school regularly and have positive input from concerned staff on a consistent basis are likely to reoffend less often. 8.248.232.227 on 2-9-2011-->