thrive academy

What is Thrive Academy?

• Data-Driven, Community-Based Intervention: Launched in September 2023 in Baltimore City and County (later expanding to Prince George’s and Anne Arundel Counties), Thrive is Maryland’s pioneering juvenile justice effort to use a Group Violence Reduction Strategy targeting youth at high risk of involvement in gun violence (djs.maryland.gov).

• Selective Enrollment: Youth are chosen based on a mix of data analysis and human intelligence—focusing on those living in high-violence areas, with past referrals or probation, and often having either been victims or perpetrators of gun incidents (djs.maryland.gov).

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Program Structure & Services

• Dedicated Support Teams: Each participant gets paired with:

  • A specially trained DJS case manager, and

  • A “credible messenger” Life Coach, who shares lived experience and offers support through 4–5 daily check-ins plus weekend on-call coverage (continuousgrowth.org, djs.maryland.gov).

• 16–24 Week Intervention with Ongoing Flexibility: While the standard program is 4–6 months, services can be extended if needed (washingtonpost.com).

• “Suitcase of Supports”: Tailored resources may include:

  • Paid employment or service opportunities

  • Education or vocational support, GED or college aid

  • Trauma therapy

  • Legal relocation for safety

  • Activity-based community engagement

  • Incentives for milestone achievements (djs.maryland.gov, correctionalnews.com).

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Early Results & Recognition

• Promising Early Impact: Among participants, only ~1.5% suffered non-fatal gunshot wounds. Arrest rates for handgun offenses are being monitored .

• High Retention of Non-Violence: DJS reports 96% of participants avoided further gun violence since enrollment (wmar2news.com).

• Awards & Accreditation:

  • Earned the prestige CJJA Inspiration Innovation Award in 2024 (djs.maryland.gov).

  • Recognized by local press (WP, WMAR, WBAL) for its mentoring impact (wypr.org).