News

With a commitment to and background in youth education and mental health, Precious Grimes is working to continue and enhance the quality programming of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center’s longstanding Project Success program. 

Grimes, Project Success director since January, believes the mission and goals of the program are needed now more than ever before. 

Project Success is designed for children, ages 5-14, under the supervision of Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Its mission is to provide educational and socialization skills that reinforce positive- based behavior in the community.  

“DCFS children can experience more transition than most youth,” said Grimes. “Project Success provides a stable, nurturing learning environment needed for students to stay on track and even excel.” 

“In addition, Project Success after-school programs help youth develop the protective factors they need to cope with any seemingly overwhelming challenges they may encounter,” continued Grimes, who earned a master’s in professional counseling from Lindenwood University in 2012. “Research has shown that after-school programs can help prevent delinquency and promote positive behaviors.” 

Project Success operates from 3:30-8:30 p.m. each school day at the SIUE East St. Louis Campus, 601 James R. Thompson Blvd. Programming includes:

• Academic support
• Health and nutrition
• Social/life skills, such as relationship, practical decision-making, emotional and mental health/character development, and parent and family involvement
• A daily hot, nutritious meal
• Recreation and physical fitness

“We plan to embed a clinical component with our programming to provide mental health assessments, psycho-educational workshops, and clinical group and individual therapy,” explained Grimes. “Youth often have complicated lives, and our staff will be able to engage in case management support.” 

“The Harvard Family Research Project concludes that sustained participation in structured and skillfully implemented after-school programs,” continued Grimes, “can improve academic achievement, improve youth’s social and developmental outcomes, and reduce or prevent drug and alcohol use, delinquency and violent behavior, and sexual activity.”  

“Project Success wants our students to not only learn,” she said, “but also to be successful in life.” 

With a focus on empowering people and strengthening communities, the SIUE East St. Louis Center is dedicated to improving the lives of families and individuals—from pre-school through adult—in the Metro East region. The Center offers programs that give the community renewed hope and an opportunity to reach educational, career and life goals. It does so by providing comprehensive programs, services and training in the areas of education, health, social services and the arts. 

Photo: SIUE East St. Louis Center Project Success Director Precious Grimes.