Students at local elementary schools are learning about the dangers and consequences of substance abuse and involvement with criminal activities such as gangs.
The United Stated Attorney’s Office has launched a law-related program called Project LEAD at five schools within the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD). The eight-week program teaches students to resist pressure to join gangs, drink or take drugs or participate in behaviors like bullying.
Students spend time in the classroom learning about the issues with volunteers from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, federal prosecutors, administrative staff and the U.S. Coast Guard. There are approximately 270 fifth graders from nine different classes in the program.
Valencia Park, Johnson, Emerson-Bandini, Logan and St. Rita's elementary schools are participating in the program.
As part of the curriculum, the fifth graders participate in short skits, small-group activities and class discussions.
"We can't solve all of society's problems by prosecuting and incarcerating people," said U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy. "The best way to stop crime is to prevent it. This is a program that gives children the tools they need to choose a positive path for a productive, happy life. These fifth-graders will be our leaders in 20 years. There is no greater investment our society can make."
Project LEAD was brought to San Diego in 2012 by U.S. District Judge Gonzalo P. Curiel from Los Angeles, where it had been implemented at 46 elementary schools.
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"This program shows kids they can be anything they want to be a lawyer, a doctor, an engineer, an architect – anything," Curiel said.
Duffy said she hopes to increase the number of schools participating in the program next year.
