Youth Development Initiatives

Year Founded
2006
EIN
14-1954707
Local Leader/Exec. Director
Mr. Darryl L. Bego
Primary Contact Name
Darryl Bego
Main Address

Youth Development Initiatives
PO Box 480480
Charlotte, NC 28269
United States

Youth Development Initiatives - Life skills Training Center
200 East Arrowhead Drive
#W2
Charlotte, NC 28213
United States

What We Do

“YDI exists so that every at-risk teenager can graduate high school with a career pathway, a post-secondary education plan, and real-world work experiences that result in greater self-confidence, upward economic mobility and a successful life.” YDI engages disadvantaged teenagers 14-18 after school to guide them through an individualized guidance process that includes interactive life skills training, project-based career exploration/advisement, post-HS education planning, and evidence-based mentoring.  We help our youth participants develop an EDGE: Establish individualized career/post-secondary education plans, Develop vital life and interpersonal skills, Gain essential real-world employment and social capital-building opportunities, and  Explore college/post-secondary training options.

Interesting Info
  • YDI specializes in serving disadvantaged teenagers, who are the most under-served student population in the Charlotte region.
  • YDI's life skills and career guidance curriculum is interactive, project-based and connects the classroom to real world life and work-based experiences.
  • Students that spend at least one year in YDI measurably improve their school attendance, academics, and graduate high school with career/ed plans.
Geographic Location

Sugar Creek Rd/I-85, University City, Freedom Dr/Wilkinson Blvd, West Blvd, Beatties Ford Rd/Rozelles Ferry Rd, Double Oaks, Cornelius