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Project-13 opens store

Date: 10/20/2009

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor



HOLYOKE -- A purchase at the Project-13 store at the Holyoke mall will help fund the independent program helping students stay in school.

Mayor Michael Sullivan was the guest manager of the kiosk, located near Sears on the first floor, on Saturday.

Christian LaChapelle explained how the program works to Reminder Publications. LaChapelle is the director of operations for the Center For School Crisis Intervention & Assessment in Holyoke. Project-13 is an offshoot of the school and started its operations July 1. It is now serving between 60 and 80 students.

LaChapelle said the program identifies students at age 13 who are at risk of dropping out of school in both Holyoke and Springfield. He said at that age many students are making the decision to drop out of school for a variety of reasons.

The goal of the program is to make sure 100 percent of the participating students graduate from high school.

LaChapelle explained the program works on a "concierge" principle. Rather than "re-inventing the wheel" Project-13 personnel help connect students with existing programs that can help them.

Project-13 does operate a media center at which students can learn video production as well as how to record songs. The program is currently working to set up a basketball league also.

The kiosk, which is where the students sell popcorn and shaved ice, is the funding mechanism for the program. The kiosk also features "Storybook Candles," which include the story of a child helped by Project-13.

The students work alongside a professional sales staff at the store.

To learn more about Project-13, log onto www.project-13.org.