Hanging Out And Getting Life Skills At Hoboken's Save The Youth Academy

A group of teenagers sat huddled behind a computer mixing music on a recent April afternoon, with hip hop playing in the background. This is the Save The Youth Academy, located in a back room at the Boys and Girls Club on Jefferson St. 

Roughly 4o students between 11 and 18 years of age, come here on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays after school. The program was founded in 2007 by Luis Acevedo and Board of Education member Carmelo Garcia. 

Acevedo, who serves as director of the program, said the program was founded to prevent the kids from joining gangs. 

"We want these kids to be more productive," he said. "We're here to coach, educate and counsel."

On a recent afternoon, Acevedo brought in a guest speaker to teach the students about financial literacy. This is one of multiple workshops STY (short for Save The Youth Academy) offers. 

Luis Diaz, who manages two locations of Wachovia Bank on 14th Street, came in to give a presentation. He was there to teach the students about financial literacy and the importance of saving.

The presentation will be followed up with a workshop next month, said Acevedo. STY also offers other workshops and has the students participate in community service.

Acevedo said the work shops are supposed to teach the teens, the "life skills they need."