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PRYDE Program

Pepperdine Resource, Youth Diversion, and Education (PRYDE)

Welcome

Pepperdine Resource, Youth Diversion, and Education (PRYDE) is a prevention, intervention, and counseling program available for little or no cost to at-risk youth and their families in the following Orange County cities:

  • Aliso Viejo
  • Dana Point
  • Laguna Hills
  • Laguna Niguel
  • Laguna Woods
  • Lake Forest
  • Mission Viejo
  • Rancho Santa Margarita
  • San Clemente
  • San Juan Capistrano
  • Stanton
  • Villa Park

In collaboration with the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Department, the program provides services and resources that help youth and their families make positive changes in their lives as well as prevent first time youth offenders from entering the juvenile justice system. PRYDE emphasizes education, family involvement, and community support to give youth tools and opportunities to accomplish their goals.

PRYDE Services

PRYDE services begin with a comprehensive intake assessment. During the intake, PRYDE's diversion specialists determine appropriate services that provide youth with vital help and resources. As part of the intake, the diversion specialist presents to the youth and their family a comprehensive individualized program. This individualized program may include one or more of the following components:

  • Individual, Group & Family Counseling
  • Legal Awareness Education
  • Drug, Alcohol & Tobacco Education
  • Conflict Management & Resolution
  • Assertion Training
  • Communication & Problem Solving Training
  • Judgment & Impulse Control Training
  • Community Service
  • Restitution
  • Mediation
  • Academic Monitoring

What does PRYDE cost?

PRYDE services are either low or no cost (PRYDE counseling is provided at no cost). However, when we refer to outside programs (such as drug and alcohol education, legal awareness, etc.) there may be costs associated with participation. PRYDE has no financial relationship with these programs and we only refer to programs that we are confident will serve the needs of the youth and their families.


Dr. Rhonda Brinkley-Kennedy (GSEP '96) is the director of the GSEP Urban Initiative, an umbrella program preparing education and mental health professionals to work effectively in underserved urban communities.