Playworks Coach Program named in DOJ’s ‘Promising Program’

  1. Updates

Recently, the Department of Justice (DOJ) reviewed evidence of the Playworks Coach program and found that the program met the criteria for a Promising Program intended to improve school attendance. 

The DOJ invests in reviewing research that shows programs positively impact attendance because higher rates of kids attending school “prevents or reduce crime, delinquency, or related problem behaviors such as aggression, school attachment, or gang involvement”. 

Research conducted about Playworks by the John W. Gardner Center for youth and their communities at Stanford showed that Playworks Coach had higher attendance rates than their peers. 

We know that when kids feel safe and included at school, they’re more likely to attend. That’s why we ensure Playworks schools are filled with high-fives, smiles, and laughter. 

Read more from the crimesolutions.gov

More Updates


December 29, 2025

30 Years of Play, Leadership, and Community: Why Your Support Matters This Season ›

In 1995, Playworks Founder Jill Vialet sat down with an elementary school principal who shared a problem that would change everything: “What I really need help with is recess. Can…

December 17, 2025

How Play Is Transforming Community at 112th Street Elementary ›

A Conversation with Principal Hernandez At Playworks Southern California, we know that play is more than just recess, it’s a catalyst for connection, joy, and community building. No one embodies…

December 10, 2025

Investing in Resilience: Playworks Southern California Receives Grant from Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation to Expand Health  ›

In a powerful show of community support, Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation has awarded more than $13.5 million in grants to organizations working to uplift and transform lives.  Among the…