(August 2, 2023 – Memphis, Tenn) As part of Shelby County Juvenile Court’s (SCJC) efforts to implement innovative approaches to restorative juvenile justice, SCJC has added PURE Academy as one of its strategic partners. PURE — which stands for Progressing Under Restraints and Extremes — is a residential boarding school designed to train young boys to excel in athletics and academics, while exposing them to opportunities that will prepare students to be productive men. PURE is a private college-preparatory school with a holistic philosophy. Training includes providing students tools to help avoid further delinquent behavior and criminal involvement while preparing them to be well-rounded leaders and accomplished individuals.
“I saw an urgent need to assist underserved youth, mostly from single parent homes in high crime areas,” says CEO/Founder Melvin Cole. “My mission and ultimate goal is to use PURE as a deterrent from negative influences to bring positive changes to our young children.”
PURE has a Category I accreditation from the State of Tennessee Department of Education. SCJC will refer youth fitting the program criteria and those selected by the academy to attend will live on the campus 24-hours, seven days a week. Under ongoing adult supervision, they will participate in a very regimented daily routine that includes exercise, school, sports and evening study. Students attending PURE receive secondary education, as well as mental health sessions and support. Its athletic program includes workouts, football and boxing.
“We know that the key to curtailing juvenile delinquency is to involve community partners who understand the confluence of issues that result in negative youth behavior and how to address these challenges,” said Stephanie Hill PhD. “Melvin Cole and the staff at PURE are among the knowledgeable community partners we are teaming with so we have a range of formidable resources in delivering effective reformative juvenile justice.”
The expectation in referring young males to PURE is improved academic outcomes, on-time high school graduation, and lessened risk of recidivism. To help ensure they meet expected outcomes, PURE administers pre behavioral assessments to determine services needed and post analyses to measure achievement.
An important aspect of PURE’s academic strategy is studies that have personal meaning using lessons with real-world concepts. Scholastics, social-emotional learning, and athletics are interwoven in a collaborative approach that provides each student their own set of tools for positively redirecting their lives for success.
“My life’s story is a testament of how a person can change his or her life to become a productive citizen,” said Melvin Cole. “I use my story to inspire young people to make better decisions.”
The alliance between PURE and SCJC is among the range of community-driven partnerships underway for Juvenile Court. Focusing on helping youth address and heal from the experiences that lead to delinquent behavior is a key strategy for Judge Tarik Sugarmon and his team. They are certain this evidence-based approach will deter youth crime while providing young people what they need to grow into productive citizens.