Abstract
Purpose. Youth gangs are a serious concern that merit concentrated, in-depth study and analysis (Vigil, 2002). The purpose of this study was to identify and compare key factors among successful California gang prevention programs in middle schools. Methodology. A qualitative case study was used as the methodology. The researcher interviewed 15 district program coordinators at the school districts and 15 principals from the school districts. To collect data, the researcher tape-recorded all interviews over the phone or in person using an interview guide. The researcher analyzed eight variables in the qualitative case study. Data were collected and presented on each variable. When the analysis of each variable was completed, a cross-case analysis was completed to compare the similarities and differences among successful California middle schools with gang prevention programs. Findings and conclusions. This study found that the eight key factors were crucial to the development and/or success of middle schools with gang prevention programs. The study showed that gang prevention programs helped to promote pro-social activities. This helped students to stay out of gangs. The study also found that tutoring helped to reduce academic failure for at-risk students involved in the gang prevention programs. In addition, the study showed that having the presence of a program supporter helped in reducing truancy, violence, and problem behaviors among at-risk students. The study also found that gang prevention programs helped to generate a positive view of law enforcement. Lastly, the study found that gang prevention programs helped to prevent gang-related activities rather than neighborhood crime. Recommendations for further research. (a) A similar study should be conducted of successful elementary or high schools to determine if the identified factors play an important role in gang prevention programs. (b) A study should be conducted on additional gang prevention programs besides the ones mentioned in this research. (c) A nationwide study should be initiated to compare other middle schools with successful gang prevention programs. (d) A future in-depth case study of an Asian gang such as the Wah Ching should be conducted.