S.-2 21-1488A Approval by the Board of Education of Professional Services Agreement 2021-2025 - No Cost by and between the District and OK Program of Oakland, Oakland, CA, for the latter to provide a mentoring and leadership development program that focuses on African American males, 12 to 18 years old, as described in Exhibit A, incorporated herein by reference as though fully set forth, via the Community Schools and Student Services Department, for the period of September 1, 2021 through August 31, 2022, at no cost to the District.
The OK program is leading by example in transforming the life’s of African American teenage boys. There is not another program in the city of Oakland that is walking with youth who receive guidance and support. W
They okay program has been a very influential key component to helping young men in Oakland. It has been something that we have seen help these young men from going in the wrong direction. I really support the okay program and I wanted to continue so that I can help the future of our kids in Oakland
I have worked with Officer Rob and the OK Program team for 12+ months to help operationalize the organization. The passion Rob and team have for the community and these youths is inspiring. Rob is also using technology to more effectively run the organization to have maximum impact on the kids.
Officer Smith and his team have been doing an amazing job not only supporting our black boys M-F in school but also every Saturday through the OK program. These officers are on the ground level helping the students involved in this program manage the many adverse conditions that surround them - student teacher support, family support, social support, etc. It's vital that this program continue. These boys rarely see commitment and people keeping their word, taking this program away will bring loss to this community and doesn't leave the boys set up for success. In fact, it may do the opposite. Leaving them without the bonds they have nurtured, without the guidance of a trusted adult and without an advocate. It has been through the 100 Black Men of the Bay Area that I have volunteered with the OK program and I have seen the positive impact these officers are having with a Black male population that most ignore because most lack the tools to do the work needed to see change.
The OK Program provides an invaluable help, support & mentorship for these young boys in Oakland who desperately need it. The OK Program is truly making a difference & impact in these 12-18 year old young boys in this crucial time of their lives. The work these officers are doing is extremely admirable & needed here in Oakland! They are doing what many would not even dare to do or care to do. They are in the trenches of it all. They are part of these boys lives. They aren’t just standing on the sidelines doing nothing & just talking about change but instead they are making true change & true impact through the OK Program. The community really needs these officers & the OK program. Please do not vote down what you do not truly understand, see or know. Please think of how much these boys need the OK program & how deeply this would affect them.
I have been working with Officer Rob and the Frick Academy for over two years and I can not say enough about the impact it has made on the community. Officer Rob in particular works long shifts for the Oakland PD and in his very little spare time, dedicates it towards the OK Program and its members.
Removing the OK Program from the schools would be a disservice to the community and the hundreds of boys and families that it impacts.
My name is Hisham Ali Bob, and I’m a long-time violence prevention professional. I currently work for the Public Health Department in Contra Costa County, but worked for several years at YouthALIVE!, a non-profit in Oakland dedicated to preventing violence and developing youth leaders. I currently live in Oakland and have been a resident and a member of the community for several years.
It’s come to my attention that the OUSD School Board has voted not to continue partnering with the OK Program of Oakland, a piece of news that’s left me shocked and hurt. I am a vehement proponent of any and all violence prevention efforts in the City of Oakland and I strongly support any efforts to make the City of Oakland a safer place. My perspective is that of a public health professional and my chief concern is to reduce the number of homicides in Oakland to zero.
Please re-consider the decision to cease working with the OK Program. The future of our children depends on it
I pray and hope that you understand that the OK PROGRAM is keeping BLACK YOUNG MEN OUT OF THE STREETS there is so much complaining about Black men selling drugs and ect but when we have a programs that keep them of the street you take it away its crazy and ridiculous . this program is something we need in OAKLAND not something we just want .
I strongly support the OK Program. The OK Program is a mentoring program conducted by thoroughly screened mentors and professionally trained black male police officers that provide daily guidance, emotional support, tutoring, conflict resolution and genuine love! Each of the individuals involved in the OK Program are deeply involved and respected by the community. The 100 Black Men of the Bay Area has partnered with the OK Program for the past 4 years and our members have served as mentors for the young men, volunteering countless hours. This program is positive and shows the young men in the program that there are better ways to deal with situations that can lead to bad outcomes like jail or even death. Please do not discontinue this program. It is a key element and life saver for many young men.
I’m writing in support of the OK Program. As a team member of the program, it’s been a blessing to pour into the lives of these young men! Some who have never had affirming words from Men who look like them. For them to experience a community of men, sharing their stores, giving them wisdom and being an example of what a good citizen looks like is priceless! And we do it willingly! Oakland NEEDS this! We are increasing hope in the hearts of these young men and their families. The program has and is inspiring dreams that had been absent. Putting thoughts of success in the hearts of boys who had no hope of it unless on the athletic field. It teaches that the community CAN trust law enforcement! The dedication and love that these officers and all of the teammates have towards these boys we used to look like us is inspiring! Visit the kick it sessions! Come see a future bright and promising among so many whose future is assumed to be dismal and short. Contribute to greatness, they’re here!
I am in support of having Our Kids Program in the Oakland School the officer help the students with academic and male mentor ship to a life long bond please do not remove this program from the schools city wide
I would like to proclaim my support of the OK Pgrm led by screened Black OFCs of the highest integrity and compassion. These OFCs multi-facetedly serve the students of OUSD. The ensuing threat of eliminating the OK Pgrm will certainly change the projectile of many students served; potentially for multi-generations to come. During what continues to be an unprecedented time of social and civil disruption, Our Kids need pillars of support to meet their educational and psychosocial needs such as that provided by the OK Pgrm. The OK Pgrm is a proven model that brings together the OUSD, community leaders such as 100 Black Men of the Bay Area, Inc., the faith-based community, and local LE with the support of priv. and corp. partners to help ensure that Our Kids have a fair chance at building an economically self-sufficient future. We cannot wager that future by moving acquiescently with a broad stroke under the guise of demand for cuts to the presence of LE on our campuses. Thank you.
I believe the OK program provides a very valuable program to the youth helping them deal with real life situations, and to understand what life is all about. “Them as being the youth as well as there families and most importantly there education” and the OK program puts Emphasis on those important values of life in a way that the
Youth can understand and I support the mentor ship of the OK program 100%. I also believe that if there where more programs like this in the inner cities there would be less crime and a higher graduation rate amongst black youth and youth of all colors backgrounds and Ethnicities. My fist son probably wouldn’t have graduated if not for this very important program and now my other two boys are in the program and progressing successfully. The OK program teaches respect and responsibility and holds the children accountable for there mistakes and it’s a real help to us Parents who have to deal with more than one child and also have to work to provide.
I am in full support of the OK program and I don’t really think you guys took the program total operation into consideration. There is no way that any individual looking into the details of this organization and what they do, can honestly with a fair assessment speak badly about this program. I am in clear understanding that we need to work on relationships with our police officers and their relationships with the community however no policy should be used as a blanket decision over everything that’s affiliated with the officers. Every situation need to be considered independently and if the OK program is removed or even slightly dismantled you are doing a disservice to the oakland community. Investigate the program before you dismantle it these Brothers do a great job you can’t interfere with a positive impact to our community that doesn’t make any sense.
I can't belive you don't care about over 400 back boys. Let the street have them and the great number to come and on one day you my be sent an early resting place by one you could have saved.
I support the OK program. It is one program that should be in all inner city schools. My grandson was in the program from the 6th grade until he graduated from the 12th grade. I don’t believe he would have graduated without the mentorship that this program provides. There are so many negative influences that young black boys have to endure. This program is positive and shows them that there are better ways to deal with situations that can lead to bad outcomes like jail or even death. This program shows them the consequences of actions that are negative as well as positive results when things are done right. They are exposed to positive people in the community who are earning a living doing the right things. These people talk about how they got to where they are today. If they can do it so can the boys in the program. Please don’t discontinue this program. It is a life saver for many young boys. It is run by excellent individuals such as Officer Smith. I support this program.
The OK program is leading by example in transforming the life’s of African American teenage boys. There is not another program in the city of Oakland that is walking with youth who receive guidance and support. W
They okay program has been a very influential key component to helping young men in Oakland. It has been something that we have seen help these young men from going in the wrong direction. I really support the okay program and I wanted to continue so that I can help the future of our kids in Oakland
I love the OK program because my boys have an outlet to go. Being a single mom is so the male support is needed especially this positive group
I have worked with Officer Rob and the OK Program team for 12+ months to help operationalize the organization. The passion Rob and team have for the community and these youths is inspiring. Rob is also using technology to more effectively run the organization to have maximum impact on the kids.
Officer Smith and his team have been doing an amazing job not only supporting our black boys M-F in school but also every Saturday through the OK program. These officers are on the ground level helping the students involved in this program manage the many adverse conditions that surround them - student teacher support, family support, social support, etc. It's vital that this program continue. These boys rarely see commitment and people keeping their word, taking this program away will bring loss to this community and doesn't leave the boys set up for success. In fact, it may do the opposite. Leaving them without the bonds they have nurtured, without the guidance of a trusted adult and without an advocate. It has been through the 100 Black Men of the Bay Area that I have volunteered with the OK program and I have seen the positive impact these officers are having with a Black male population that most ignore because most lack the tools to do the work needed to see change.
The OK Program provides an invaluable help, support & mentorship for these young boys in Oakland who desperately need it. The OK Program is truly making a difference & impact in these 12-18 year old young boys in this crucial time of their lives. The work these officers are doing is extremely admirable & needed here in Oakland! They are doing what many would not even dare to do or care to do. They are in the trenches of it all. They are part of these boys lives. They aren’t just standing on the sidelines doing nothing & just talking about change but instead they are making true change & true impact through the OK Program. The community really needs these officers & the OK program. Please do not vote down what you do not truly understand, see or know. Please think of how much these boys need the OK program & how deeply this would affect them.
I have been working with Officer Rob and the Frick Academy for over two years and I can not say enough about the impact it has made on the community. Officer Rob in particular works long shifts for the Oakland PD and in his very little spare time, dedicates it towards the OK Program and its members.
Removing the OK Program from the schools would be a disservice to the community and the hundreds of boys and families that it impacts.
My name is Hisham Ali Bob, and I’m a long-time violence prevention professional. I currently work for the Public Health Department in Contra Costa County, but worked for several years at YouthALIVE!, a non-profit in Oakland dedicated to preventing violence and developing youth leaders. I currently live in Oakland and have been a resident and a member of the community for several years.
It’s come to my attention that the OUSD School Board has voted not to continue partnering with the OK Program of Oakland, a piece of news that’s left me shocked and hurt. I am a vehement proponent of any and all violence prevention efforts in the City of Oakland and I strongly support any efforts to make the City of Oakland a safer place. My perspective is that of a public health professional and my chief concern is to reduce the number of homicides in Oakland to zero.
Please re-consider the decision to cease working with the OK Program. The future of our children depends on it
Officer Smith has done a lot for our kids in Oakland Is with the OK program
I pray and hope that you understand that the OK PROGRAM is keeping BLACK YOUNG MEN OUT OF THE STREETS there is so much complaining about Black men selling drugs and ect but when we have a programs that keep them of the street you take it away its crazy and ridiculous . this program is something we need in OAKLAND not something we just want .
I strongly support the OK Program. The OK Program is a mentoring program conducted by thoroughly screened mentors and professionally trained black male police officers that provide daily guidance, emotional support, tutoring, conflict resolution and genuine love! Each of the individuals involved in the OK Program are deeply involved and respected by the community. The 100 Black Men of the Bay Area has partnered with the OK Program for the past 4 years and our members have served as mentors for the young men, volunteering countless hours. This program is positive and shows the young men in the program that there are better ways to deal with situations that can lead to bad outcomes like jail or even death. Please do not discontinue this program. It is a key element and life saver for many young men.
I’m writing in support of the OK Program. As a team member of the program, it’s been a blessing to pour into the lives of these young men! Some who have never had affirming words from Men who look like them. For them to experience a community of men, sharing their stores, giving them wisdom and being an example of what a good citizen looks like is priceless! And we do it willingly! Oakland NEEDS this! We are increasing hope in the hearts of these young men and their families. The program has and is inspiring dreams that had been absent. Putting thoughts of success in the hearts of boys who had no hope of it unless on the athletic field. It teaches that the community CAN trust law enforcement! The dedication and love that these officers and all of the teammates have towards these boys we used to look like us is inspiring! Visit the kick it sessions! Come see a future bright and promising among so many whose future is assumed to be dismal and short. Contribute to greatness, they’re here!
I am in support of having Our Kids Program in the Oakland School the officer help the students with academic and male mentor ship to a life long bond please do not remove this program from the schools city wide
I would like to proclaim my support of the OK Pgrm led by screened Black OFCs of the highest integrity and compassion. These OFCs multi-facetedly serve the students of OUSD. The ensuing threat of eliminating the OK Pgrm will certainly change the projectile of many students served; potentially for multi-generations to come. During what continues to be an unprecedented time of social and civil disruption, Our Kids need pillars of support to meet their educational and psychosocial needs such as that provided by the OK Pgrm. The OK Pgrm is a proven model that brings together the OUSD, community leaders such as 100 Black Men of the Bay Area, Inc., the faith-based community, and local LE with the support of priv. and corp. partners to help ensure that Our Kids have a fair chance at building an economically self-sufficient future. We cannot wager that future by moving acquiescently with a broad stroke under the guise of demand for cuts to the presence of LE on our campuses. Thank you.
I believe the OK program provides a very valuable program to the youth helping them deal with real life situations, and to understand what life is all about. “Them as being the youth as well as there families and most importantly there education” and the OK program puts Emphasis on those important values of life in a way that the
Youth can understand and I support the mentor ship of the OK program 100%. I also believe that if there where more programs like this in the inner cities there would be less crime and a higher graduation rate amongst black youth and youth of all colors backgrounds and Ethnicities. My fist son probably wouldn’t have graduated if not for this very important program and now my other two boys are in the program and progressing successfully. The OK program teaches respect and responsibility and holds the children accountable for there mistakes and it’s a real help to us Parents who have to deal with more than one child and also have to work to provide.
I am in full support of the OK program and I don’t really think you guys took the program total operation into consideration. There is no way that any individual looking into the details of this organization and what they do, can honestly with a fair assessment speak badly about this program. I am in clear understanding that we need to work on relationships with our police officers and their relationships with the community however no policy should be used as a blanket decision over everything that’s affiliated with the officers. Every situation need to be considered independently and if the OK program is removed or even slightly dismantled you are doing a disservice to the oakland community. Investigate the program before you dismantle it these Brothers do a great job you can’t interfere with a positive impact to our community that doesn’t make any sense.
STOP contracting with ANY police agencies or programs! Community NOT Cops! Police are not mentors. No cops on campus. Periodt.
I can't belive you don't care about over 400 back boys. Let the street have them and the great number to come and on one day you my be sent an early resting place by one you could have saved.
I support the ok program my son has been in this program since the 6th grade. The program have helped many black boys
I support the OK program. It is one program that should be in all inner city schools. My grandson was in the program from the 6th grade until he graduated from the 12th grade. I don’t believe he would have graduated without the mentorship that this program provides. There are so many negative influences that young black boys have to endure. This program is positive and shows them that there are better ways to deal with situations that can lead to bad outcomes like jail or even death. This program shows them the consequences of actions that are negative as well as positive results when things are done right. They are exposed to positive people in the community who are earning a living doing the right things. These people talk about how they got to where they are today. If they can do it so can the boys in the program. Please don’t discontinue this program. It is a life saver for many young boys. It is run by excellent individuals such as Officer Smith. I support this program.