Under the guidance of an African-American police officer, the program organizes responsible African-American adult males to serve as positive role models and mentors for their younger counterparts. The adults in the program are called TEAMMATES, because the OK Program is based on a team-mentoring concept. This concept provides the organizational structure necessary to allow teammates an opportunit
y to address specific issues, as identified in the program goals, which contribute to the high rates of incarceration and homicide of African-American males. School administrators and teachers play a critical role in the OK Program. Together, administrators and teachers provide a level of support to OK Program coordinators and students that are necessary for the program to be successful. This support encourages OK Students to excel and achieve a high level of academic excellence. Students in the program receive awards for their efforts, achievements and successes. Also, an incremental reward system is an important component for the OK Program. Every Saturday, KIC’IT (Kids Interacting Communicating Immix Teammates) Sessions brings together OK Program coordinators and teammates to tutor and share life experiences with young African-American males. During KIC’IT Session, students learn that they are responsible for their future. They also learn that they must always strive for excellence, compete for the best grades, be respectful, seek to make positive contributions to their families and communities, and are taught how to interact with police when contacted by an officer.
