The voice of our youth is a significant contributor to our program design. While developing their leadership skills our youth also give back to the organization with programs like PASS It On and Children Teaching Children.

The middle school years are volatile for our youth. Inner-city, low-income youth are more prone to gang involvement, academic decline, and violence victimization as they enter adolescence. Consequently, retention during these years is key to youth achieving long-term success.

In a recent survey, 85% of our youth report that they have a trusted adult, volunteer, or mentor from our program that they can depend on. In addition, when asked during our recent long term study, former participants shared that they stayed in the program because they had a consistent and safe relationship with an adult mentor.

Students carry much more than a backpack. SEL combines basic character education, self-awareness, self-management and responsible decision making to help our youth overcome the trauma associated with a life in poverty. CYP applies an SEL methodology across our program model.