The Mayor's Anti-Gang Office (MAGO) in Houston provides resources and services aimed at addressing youth gang involvement and juvenile delinquency since its establishment in 1994. It collaborates with community education partners like Beechnut Academy to offer programs for at-risk students, featuring activities such as workshops, mentoring, and community events. MAGO focuses on comprehensive solutions through education, direct youth services, and community engagement.

1. Mayor’s Anti-Gang Office Provides
Gang Response to Houston Youth
Community Education Partners

2. Introduction
• A private education contractor, Community Education Partners
operates as a leading provider of academic and behavior
improvement programs for sixth- through twelfth-grade students in
public schools. In 2006, Community Education Partners was
praised by the Texas Public Policy Foundation for its oversight of
Beechnut Academy, an alternative education program in Houston,
Texas.
Students attending Beechnut have been removed from their home
Houston Independent School District (HISD) schools due to
disciplinary reasons. Programs available to at-risk HISD students,
including those attending Beechnut, include the Mayor’s Anti-Gang
Office (MAGO).
MAGO is administered by the City of Houston’s Department of
Neighborhoods and focuses on providing valuable resources and
services for gang response.

3. Gang Response
• Established in 1994, MAGO offers comprehensive response for
youth gang involvement and juvenile delinquency. It approaches
gang response through direct youth services, collaboration,
education, and program and policy development. Furthermore, its
mentors and volunteers engage students through after-school
programs and youth service organizations.
Activities and programs hosted by MAGO range from youth and
family workshops to intervention case management and mentoring.
It also organizes a variety of activities and community events
designed provide youths with learning opportunities and new
experiences. MAGO activities include the Summer Youth Film
Project, the Summer Youth Program, and a community garden. In
addition, it offers access to educational resources and materials.