ABOUT US
Who We Are
Project ROCK South is an out-of-school suspension program serving youth in St. Lucie County who have been temporarily removed from the traditional classroom. Our program provides students with a structured, supportive environment that prioritizes accountability, academic continuity, and personal growth during times of disciplinary transition.
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We believe that suspension should not be a pause in learning or a pathway to risk—but an opportunity for restoration, reflection, and redirection. Project ROCK South ensures students receive consistent guidance while remaining engaged and prepared to return to school successfully.
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At the core of our work is a commitment to strengthening not only students, but families and communities as a whole.
Mission
We are committed to transforming suspension into an opportunity for growth by empowering youth to reach their potential through structure, support, and connection, while helping families build a stronger foundation.​​​​
vision
We envision a community where every young person, regardless of setbacks, is restored with confidence, purpose, and hope, and where families grow stronger together through understanding, resilience, and support.
Our History
Project R.O.C.K. was born out of tragedy more than twenty-five years ago. Its origins trace back to a heartbreaking incident involving a tenth-grade student placed on a ten-day school suspension. During that suspension, while stopping at a neighborhood corner store to purchase lunch, the student was fatally shot. His death shook the community and exposed the dangers faced by unsupervised youth.
In response, community leaders, educators, and residents united around a shared conviction: no young person should ever lose their life due to a lack of structure, supervision, or support. From this resolve, Project R.O.C.K.—Reaching Our Community Kids—was established to provide a safe, structured alternative for students removed from the traditional classroom.
As the need for expanded services grew, Project R.O.C.K. South officially opened in September 2001. Since then, it has served thousands of students and families, becoming a trusted community anchor grounded in care, accountability, and consistency.
Through partnerships with the local School District and community organizations, Project R.O.C.K. South provides coordinated support beyond academics, including counseling, mentorship, character development, and restorative practices. These services help students return to school strengthened, supported, and prepared for success.
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Today, Project R.O.C.K. South stands as a testament to the power of community action and compassion. What began as a response to a single tragedy has grown into a lasting promise—one that continues to protect, guide, and transform the futures of young people.
Our Approach
Our work is guided by a simple but powerful framework that helps students build accountability, resilience, and confidence during & after their suspension:
Acknowledge:
recognizing and accepting your current situation, circumstances, or challenges. It's about being honest with yourself and taking accountability for your actions. By acknowledging where you are & the situation you're in, you lay the foundation for meaningful change and progress.​
Adjust:
changing your mindset, behaviors, habits, or strategies to better align with your goals and aspirations. It's about being flexible and adaptable, willing to modify your approach. We encourage students to reflect on their mistakes and learn from them.
Achieve:
by implementing the necessary adjustments and staying committed to your objectives, you can make meaningful progress and ultimately achieve success. Celebrate your accomplishments along the way and use them as motivation to continue moving forward. A suspension should not be viewed as a setback, but as a steppingstone towards what is ahead!
