INTEGRIS Health responded to the community’s need for intervention in gang activity in Oklahoma City in 1995. The Basic Educational Empowerment Program (BEEP) was formed to assist gang members to become productive citizens.

Through the years the Entrepreneur element was changed to Educational. Young adults in the community now enter BEEP seeking to obtain a marketable skill. This skill can range from a certificate in a specialized field to a bachelor's degree. The program is targeted at youth who are “at risk” of criminal activity or have been through the Oklahoma City court system.

With the success of BEEP came a spinoff of the program called Junior BEEP. The junior program was created to form a “talent pool” for the BEEP program. The program carries the same requirements as BEEP although the junior participants are in need of:

1. finishing high school or
2. obtaining their GED.

After completing their GED or graduating high school, participants complete a Motivational Appraisal of Personal Potential (MAPP).  This appraisal rates their top 900 job possibilities that match their potential.

After completing the MAPP assessment, the Junior BEEP members highlight their top career interests and prepare to job shadow. Shadowing can range from a month long internship to a single day interview. Shadowing provides the opportunity to learn more about job fields that match their interests. After they decide on a field, the Junior BEEP member will join the BEEP program.

While enrolled in BEEP, participants attend monthly meetings that include a guest lecturer, round table discussions, and a review of fund raising and community service opportunities. They also learn new aspects of the “Pillars of BEEP” which include self esteem, honesty, communication, responsibility and community service. The BEEP members learn how to use the pillars to build the foundation that will facilitate their transformation into becoming a leader.

Giving back to the community is a large part of BEEP. The members form their own committee to decide what project will be completed each semester. The next community service event will be held in conjunction with Rebuilding Together, a program that helps low income families in Oklahoma City rebuild and update their homes.
 
To apply for the Basic Educational Empowerment Program please complete the following documents and fax to (405) 942-5014 or e-mail to mailto: rochelle.foster@integrisok.com

• BEEP Consent Form.
• Junior BEEP profile information