AMIkids Pinellas

AMIkids Pinellas: Unlocking the Potential of Fostered Youth in Pinellas County

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Story Services Impact Leadership
Our Story

helping kids discover the potential within

Since 1972, AMIkids Pinellas has been on a mission to transform the lives of young individuals and strengthen our community. But now, we’re taking it a step further. We’ve shifted our focus to the shortcomings of the foster care system in Pinellas County, offering a safe haven for fostered youth to receive the education, life skills, and workforce development they deserve. By combining our expertise in behavior skills training and relationship building with Family Support Services’ case management experience, we’ve created a groundbreaking day program that provides stability and prepares these youth for a vibrant future. Through genuine care, real relationships, and a sense of family, we empower young people to discover their life paths and believe success is possible.

Services

What We Offer

COMMUNITY-BASED PROGRAMS

Community-based programs offer daily services to youth and families, with youth returning home each day if programming takes place outside of the home. We offer eight unique services with our community-based programs.

Alternative Education

Alternative Education programs are designed to help students who require additional support typically not available in traditional schools. Students in attendance benefit from academic remediation, positive behavioral skills development, and individualized attention to succeed. AMIkids Alternative Education programs include Infinity Schools, School-within-a-School, and Charter Schools, which operate according to the school district schedule.

Pre-apprenticeship (Career Exploration, Workforce Development)

Pre-apprenticeship programs prepare students aged 16-24 for successful careers, offering industry training that is aligned with each community’s needs for skilled workers. With a combination of academic, technical, and job readiness courses and individualized case management, AMIkids prepares and places students into higher education, jobs, and apprenticeships.

PROGRAM ENHANCEMENTS

Program Enhancement Services may be provided as standalone or supplementary to a program.

Career and Technical Education

Provided in two age-appropriate models:

  • The AMIkids Career Exploration Model, for ages 11-15, helps youth build self-awareness, learn about potential careers, and develop a plan for reaching future goals.
  • The AMIkids Workforce Development Model, for ages 16-24, utilizes a combination of school-based and work-based learning to help youth learn job readiness skills, earn industry-recognized certifications, and transition to the workforce.
Our Impact

How We Make A Difference

  • 92% of our students have clear education or career plans their first year after high school
  • 90% of students receive OSHA -10, OSHA-30, & Forklift certifications
  • 85% of students who enroll complete the Youth Build Program
Leadership

AMIkids Pinellas is led by their respective Executive Director and a volunteer board of local community leaders, ensuring its positive impact on our communities.

AMIkids Pinellas Executive Director

  • Wanda Walker

AMIkids Pinellas Board Of Trustees

  • Melinda Perry - Chair
  • Nancy Loehr
  • Jeff burzinski
  • Mark Lettelleir
  • Greg Porter
  • Amy Rettig
  • Kevin Parker
AMIkids Pinellas
Saint Petersburg, FL
Alternative Education Career and Technical Education Foster Care Pre-apprenticeship

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