A report released Monday stated that 283 students at Youngstown City Schools, who were enrolled in the behavioral health agency The Red Zone, had an increase of 16.5 percent in their overall G.P.A from the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 school years.

A press release reported that this new information means that these students held an average G.P.A of 2.4 for the 2016-2017 school year, and an average G.P.A of 2.82 for the 2017-2018 school year, with the help of The Red Zone.

According to the press release, The Red Zone is a behavioral health agency that works to better the lives of community members by "providing opportunities for youth, adults and families to obtain superior comprehensive therapeutic support through mental, behavioral and substance-abuse treatment rooted in compassionate and restorative practices."

Maurice Clarett, The Red Zone Founder, stated, in a press release, "Many of the roadblocks for students in Youngstown City Schools goes beyond academic ability. The harsh reality is there are a significant amount of students who face tremendous personal obstacles that inhibit them from doing well in school, including emotional and behavioral issues, absent and overworked parents and drug and alcohol abuse. This data shows what we've known all along, students can succeed if properly supported."

The press release provides that of the schools participating in The Red Zone, the following showed exceptional average G.P.A., increases:

  • East High School- 11 percent increase
  • Chaney High School- 22 percent increase
  • Williamson Elementary - 30 percent increase
  • Wilson Elementary School- 34 percent increase