THE PROGRAM Main Street Gym was established in 1993 to provide a safe and nurturing environment for at-risk and underserved youths on the Eastern Shore. The Gym services Wicomico, Somerset, Worcester, and Dorchester County and currently has 83 members. The Gym has two main components to the program athletic and educational. ATHLETIC COMPONENT The athletic program is amateur boxing focused on improving the overall physical condition of its members. This year Main Street Gym participated in the Jr. Olympics held in Waldorf, Md and the Golden Gloves held in Fort Washington, Md. Four boxers participated in the Jr. Olympics with one winning the State Championship and three receiving silver medals. In the Golden Gloves, eight boxers participated with three winning championships and 2 receiving silver medals. EDUCATIONAL COMPONENT The educational program known as the "Out of School Learning" has three components. (1) The first is an on-site tutoring program made available to all members, but it is mandatory for students that are not achieving academic success. (2) The second is called "Listen and Learn" whereby local professionals come to the Gym and address topics such as negative effects of drugs, resisting gang involvement, and a variety of health-related issues. (3) The third component is a Youth Council designed to engage the members with community businesses, develop a sense of civic responsibility and instill leadership qualities. The Gym receives referrals from Wraparound Maryland, the Life Crisis Center, Law Enforcement Agencies and Truancy Courts. MEMBERSHIP The Gym membership fee is $30.00 a month. The fee includes the following: (1) Training sessions Monday-Friday from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm conducted by registered and certified coaches. (2) Participation in the onsite tutoring program. (3) Participation in the "Open Saturday Program" that includes free lunches and field trips to places such as Washington, DC, the State Capital, and various colleges. (4) The cost of travel to and from tournaments held in various States. Some families that cannot meet the fee are helped through a scholarship program. Scholarships are also awarded to outstanding members based on criteria set by the Coaching Staff.