Developing Today’s Heroes: Myth as a Healing Tool for Urban Youth

NYC Pilot Programs

Alchemy, Inc. + The Alchemy Method 2023 – 2026

Alchemy NYC

After 20 years of successful, proven implementation in public school settings in both Akron and Cleveland, Ohio, Alchemy is excited to bring this proven intervention to New York City.

The goal: To replicate and expand this award-winning program so that many more urban youth will thrive and heal through the messages and hero journeys embedded in timeless mythological tales.

• This year (academic year 2023-24), Alchemy began implementation of four pilot mentoring groups in two New York City schools. Two groups of students in grade 6 and two groups in grade 8 are participating in the supportive in-school “circles”, modeled after Alchemy’s award-winning format delivered in Akron Public Schools.

• Founder and Executive Director Dr. Kwame Scruggs is facilitating the pilot groups, and the NYC response – from school leadership and students alike – has exceeded expectations. 100% student participation for both grade levels has quickly fostered a strong sense of connection and support among the mentees/peers, and both schools would like to see the program continue for the full, three-year pilot. 

• The goal, based on funding, is for Dr. Scruggs to continue working with one school, George Jackson Academy, for 2 more years (through academic year 2025-2026). This will allow him to stay with the current grade 6 students as they transition through and finish middle school (grade 8).

Click for information on George Jackson Academy

Objectives for 3-Year NYC Pilot + Expansion

1) Fundraise to Deliver Years 2 + 3 of In-School Pilot Cohorts

• Alchemy, Inc. supported the year 1 pilot (2023-24) through board-approved funding from its own operating reserves, and now seeks local NYC support to continue the work. In-school delivery for 2 more years is critical to demonstrating program impact in NYC; long-term exposure is a key element of the Method.

• Fundraising planning, research and outreach to interested parties is in progress. Alchemy is considering formation of a NYC-based advisory committee to help steer the expansion strategy, build a NY presence and network. We will fundraise to cover costs for two more years of intervention at George Jackson Academy, ensuring collection of data and testimonials to help tell a compelling NYC impact story.

• This extended program delivery also allows time for identifying funding sources/partners with interest in underwriting upcoming NYC Facilitator Training expenses – the key to long-term program delivery and impact in NYC. We do not want the training fee to be a barrier for anyone possessing ideal mentoring traits for Method delivery and will offer reduced fees/scholarships for those demonstrating need.

• Please contact Susan Fulwiler at development@alchemyinc.net for more information on Alchemy, NYC goals, and your opportunities to get involved and invest in NYC youth.

2) First NYC Mentor (“Facilitator”) Recruitment Sessions & Training // 2024 + 2025

To finish the pilots and see this work continue and expand in NYC, Alchemy must recruit and train the first group of NYC-based “facilitators” (or mentors).

• What we will offer:  Free information sessions on training in The Alchemy Method™ (at least 2 sessions will be held between June 2024 and November 2024);

• 50-hour training:  Scheduled over a twelve-month period, groups of interested, skilled individuals will learn a highly specialized mentoring approach based on Social-Emotional Learning (“SEL”) and trauma-based healing, to support youth and adults in classrooms and various settings.

• Trainee Profiles: Interested individuals 18 years+ may come from a variety of backgrounds and interests, but will share a boundless, authentic passion for working with urban youth and adults while possessing a deep understanding of the complex, layered circumstances they face on a daily basis.

• Alchemy Application: Alchemy’s program applies well in many different schools and youth-service settings. Because myths are archetypal, The Alchemy Method™ casts a wide net and is a great fit for social workers, counselors, educators, psychologists and others working with adolescents (or other populations). The Method is also proven to be extremely supportive and effective offered as workshops for professionals seeking a deeper Knowledge of Self.

• Training Timeline // Other:  Dr. Scruggs has committed to offering the first Alchemy training workshop in New York City tentatively planned to start in January 2025. In addition, Dr. Scruggs and the Alchemy team will be available for follow-up support for new Alchemy facilitators who are actively applying the method in NYC, or preparing to do so.

• Series of Professional Development Workshops (partnership with Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College) This program is in progress for the current academic year; 2024-2025 dates TBA (website will be updated periodically or contact Alchemy for more information).

From School Leadership, NYC:

“Alchemy is a concrete example of diversity, equity and inclusion programming with a pluralistic vision.”

From our primary NYC Training Partner:

“The magic lies in the simplicity of The Method. Learn a simple way to ask complex questions which elicit immediate responses.” 
--Dunia Garcia, Program Director, Silberman School of Social Work