Our Program
Overview
YELC has been a vital resource for children and families in the community, operating its core programs for several years with a mission to empower youth academically, socially, and emotionally. These programs are designed to address the unique challenges faced by children from low- to middle-income families, particularly those who struggle with traditional learning methods or face barriers to academic success. YELC's innovative approach combines kinesthetic learning, financial literacy, and social-emotional development to create a holistic educational experience that prepares children for lifelong success.
Enrichment & Restoration After-School Program
A key YELC initiative for over five years, the Enrichment & Restoration After-School Program helps students master core subjects — math, reading, ELA, and science — through kinesthetic learning. This hands-on method benefits students who struggle with traditional lectures. By using project-based learning, interactive tools, and real-world applications, the program improves grades and nurtures a lasting passion for learning.
SANDALS Summer Camp
Running for over four years, SANDALS Summer Camp targets summer learning loss, especially among economically disadvantaged children. Research shows low-income students often lose significant reading and math skills over the summer, widening the achievement gap with higher-income peers. SANDALS offers a comprehensive program of academic, cultural, social, and physical activities, creating a safe environment that reduces high-risk behaviors and gives students a positive summer alternative.
Holistic Impact and Community Integration
YELC's programs form a cohesive strategy for youth development. The after-school program offers academic support during the school year, the summer camp ensures continued growth over the break, and the BTB initiative provides financial education, equipping students with real-world skills. Together, these programs address academic, social, and financial needs, building a strong foundation for future success. YELC connects school, home, and the center into a single supportive learning ecosystem, using tools such as IXL, MobyMax, and Achieve3000 to provide consistent academic support. Parents engage through workshops, games, and activities that foster partnership and shared responsibility.
Banking Their Bucks (BTB) Initiative
Launched in 2025, the Banking Their Bucks (BTB) initiative addresses the need for financial literacy among youth. It combines the FDIC Money Smart curriculum with kinesthetic learning to teach earning, saving, investing, and spending. Students engage in hands-on activities and real-world applications that build money-management skills alongside math skills. A signature feature is a student-run retail store where participants invest points, make financial decisions, and share in annual profits — building financial literacy, critical thinking, teamwork, and entrepreneurial skills.
Sustainability and Growth
Grant funding is essential to YELC's program development and sustainability. While the after-school and summer programs are established, the BTB initiative reflects YELC's continued commitment to innovation and community needs. Funding helps YELC expand and enhance program offerings and invest in the resources needed for high-quality services — supporting staff salaries, learning materials, technology upgrades, and program evaluation so YELC can continue to adapt and grow
Long-Term Vision
YELC's long-term vision is to break the cycle of poverty and disadvantage by equipping children with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed. By addressing academic challenges, fostering social-emotional development, and teaching financial literacy, YELC empowers students to overcome barriers and reach their full potential. The center's programs benefit individual students while also contributing to the broader community — building a generation of well-rounded, responsible, and engaged citizens.
