JCIT Program — Grades 7-12
Also known as a teen social skills program—leadership and coaching for Grades 7–12.
The JCIT (Junior-Coach-in-Training) program is our offering for students in Grades 7–12. Instead of a peer social group, teens take on a leadership role supporting younger children, while receiving coaching and mentorship themselves. This unique model gives them meaningful experience, builds responsibility, and still provides the social growth that parents are looking for—just in a way that actually works for this age group.
Why JCIT Makes Sense for Teens
- They don’t want a social group—but they respond to real roles. Teens are often resistant to peer-only coaching, but when they see themselves as “on the job,” paying attention and engaging becomes the norm.
- The “job” model works. Once they understand they’re being paid to coach, they lean in. They absorb coaching as strategy, not criticism—and gain social coaching in a natural, context-driven way.
- They gain leadership disguised as mentorship. Working with younger children, being coached by staff and assistant coaches, and forming purpose-driven peer bonds gives them meaningful experience and social growth.
What JCIT Offers
| What Teens Do | What They Gain |
|---|---|
| Support younger students in social groups | Leadership, responsibility, and empathy |
| Receive coaching and mentorship from staff | Real-world skills they can use in life and “on the job” |
| Earn a stipend while contributing | Motivation, accountability, and pride |
| Form peer bonds through shared work | A peer group that’s purposeful, supportive, and earned |
Program Overview
- Who it’s for: Youth entering Grade 7 through Grade 12 who enjoy working with children, want to develop leadership skills, and can participate safely and responsibly.
- Tuition & Stipend:
- Tuition for the JCIT program is $360 per month (by check or Venmo) or $340 per month (cash).
- JCITs receive a $20 weekly stipend, which is already built into the tuition cost.
- Parents pay tuition, but JCITs experience the stipend as compensation for their work—making the role feel motivating and meaningful.
- Full Tuition Includes:
- Weekly program participation
- Parent consults, school conferencing, and school meeting support
- The JCIT stipend
- Time & Commitment: Meets on the same weekly schedule as our K–6 social groups. JCITs can choose from an available group that best works for their schedule.
- Support & Mentoring: JCITs receive in-the-moment coaching from the director and assistant coaches—an environment where learning happens through doing.
How to Apply
If your teen is interested in making a difference—and in learning leadership by doing—please reach out:
- Call/Text: 978-413-1965
- Email: dshea.peterpancenter@gmail.com
I’d love to talk about your teen’s strengths, interests, and how JCIT can offer them growth, confidence, and meaningful connection.
Why I Made the Shift to JCIT for Junior & High School Students
I discovered that what teens really need at this stage is engagement through purpose, not just social time. The JCIT model meets them where they are — resistant to traditional peer groups, yet open to leadership roles that feel meaningful. If you’ve wondered why your 8th grader doesn’t respond to social-only offerings, this is why JCIT is different—and why it works.
FAQs
Do you offer a social skills group for 7th and 8th graders?
Yes—our Junior-Coach-in-Training (JCIT) Program for Grades 7–12 serves that need very effectively. Teens build leadership, get coached, and develop social skills through meaningful, purpose-driven roles rather than typical peer groups.
Why does JCIT cost more than the K–6 social skills groups?
The JCIT tuition includes a small weekly stipend of $20, built right into the cost. While parents pay the tuition, the stipend helps teens feel motivated and valued in their role—so it offers even more intentional growth.
How is JCIT different from traditional teen social groups?
Unlike peer-only groups, JCIT gives teens responsibility and leadership—working with younger children, receiving coaching, and building purposeful friendships. That real-life framework makes social and emotional growth more natural and engaging.
🌟 Looking for programs for younger children?
Learn more about our K–6 Social Skills Groups, where kids build confidence, practice friendship skills, and grow through real play with in-the-moment coaching.
👉 Click here to explore K–6 Social Skills Groups
