Youth Development Initiatives

“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.