The Block37 program at DeLaSalle Education Center offers high school students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on internship experience, develop critical skills, and build meaningful relationships in a safe and supportive environment. Serving students from grades nine through twelve, and select eighth graders during the spring session, Block37 focuses on social-emotional growth, career readiness, and academic success through structured internships, mentorship, and comprehensive support.

Supporting Students Facing Significant Challenges

DeLaSalle students often face considerable adversity, including poverty, community violence, trauma, houselessness, and systemic racism. Approximately 75% of Block37 participants have struggled in traditional academic settings, placing them at risk of not completing high school. Nearly all students qualify for free or reduced lunch, and many experience high levels of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), which can contribute to long-term health, mental health, and behavioral challenges.

Recognizing these challenges, Block37 provides an essential safe space with positive adult role models and activities that encourage social-emotional development and academic engagement. The program is grounded in evidence-based out-of-school time (OST) practices proven to reduce behavioral risks and improve educational outcomes among at-risk youth.

Program Structure & Services

Block37 offers four, eight-week sessions annually—three after-school sessions and one summer session. In response to increased demand, after-school sessions have expanded from three to four days per week, with the summer session held three days per week. To remove barriers to participation, DeLaSalle provides meals, transportation, uniforms, and supplies.

Before each session, students complete an orientation focused on foundational work ethic competencies such as attitude, accountability, ambition, and appearance, based on the Center for Work Ethic Development’s framework. Students also build practical job readiness skills including resume writing, job applications, and career assessments through the YouScience Aptitude and Career Discovery tool. This assessment helps guide students to career and education paths aligned with their strengths and interests.

Diverse Internship Opportunities

Block37 connects students with structured internships in areas including arts, technology, science, sports, communication, entrepreneurship, cosmetology, early childhood education, public safety, marketing, STEM fields, and urban development. Internships take place both on-site and at partner organizations such as ArtsTech, Concierge Living, Soulbird Studios, Urban Neighborhood Initiative, and YMCA Linwood.

Students work up to 96 hours during the eight-week sessions and earn hourly wages, gaining valuable real-world experience. High-achieving juniors and seniors can take on leadership roles within their internship cohorts, fostering mentorship, confidence, and community among participants.

Building Protective Factors & Positive Outcomes

The program intentionally cultivates protective factors like positive adult mentorship and earned income, which help buffer against risks such as violence, substance misuse, and disengagement from school. Block37 supports students in developing a strong sense of belonging, purpose, and attachment to school—key contributors to improved academic performance and overall wellbeing.

Measured outcomes include increased school attendance and engagement, reductions in behavioral challenges and exposure to community violence, and better preparedness for graduation, higher education, or employment.

Transforming Futures

Ultimately, Block37 seeks to change the life trajectories of teens facing systemic and personal barriers. By combining skill-building, mentorship, and paid internships, the program empowers students to gain practical competencies and the social-emotional foundation necessary for success beyond high school. Through these experiences, students lay the groundwork for a fulfilling and stable future.

Locations

Click on the window icon (upper right corner) of the map below to expand. List of all program locations is included with expanded view of map. Locations are also listed on this page below the map.