A tradition of excellence continues with the 2024 graduating class of YOU, Inc.’s John S. Laws Dynamy Youth Academy. Every student has been accepted to and will matriculate to college in the fall, each with multiple scholarships and awards in recognition of their significant academic and personal achievements. Our students’ continued success would not have been possible without the generous support of foundation donors, including the Lloyd G. Balfour Foundation, which recently made a grant of $25,000 to the program.
Youth Academy is a five-year, after-school leadership and college access program for promising high school students in Worcester whose low-income, first-generation status puts them at risk of not reaching their academic and career potential. The program's primary mission is to create a path to higher education for these students – who are traditionally underrepresented in college matriculation -- and to ensure that they have the skills and confidence to be accepted to and persist in college. Youth Academy supports students through four years of high school and the first year of college, motivating them to achieve their highest potential in high school and preparing them for lifelong academic and personal success.
The Youth Academy team offers a comprehensive array of services aimed at empowering students for academic success and post-secondary readiness. Central to the program is the Academic Advising and Mentoring component, which supplements the efforts of school guidance counselors. Each student is paired with an advisor to foster a supportive relationship, holding regular meetings to track progress and provide guidance. Additionally, students engage in MCAS and SAT preparation sessions, along with specialized workshops covering writing, study skills, time management, and technology literacy. Professional mentoring is facilitated by professionals from local agencies and businesses, college students, alumni, and older peers.
Another integral aspect of the program is the Adventure Challenge, comprising two week-long outdoor trips. These excursions immerse students in experiential learning, fostering teamwork, resilience, and leadership skills while promoting a sense of accomplishment.
Leadership and Character Development are further emphasized through robust community service requirements and monthly workshops. Internships in both business and non-profit sectors during sophomore and junior years expose students to real-world experiences, aiding in career exploration and goal setting. The program boasts partnerships with over 200 agencies and businesses in Worcester County.
Post-secondary support includes assistance with admissions and financial aid processes, campus tours, and advocacy with admissions offices. Parental involvement is actively encouraged, with the program providing information sessions, workshops, and family activities such as holiday celebrations and awards banquets.
Youth Academy facilitates college visits both locally and at a distance. Often the expense of traveling out of state to visit a college campus is beyond a family or student’s budget, yet these experiences are vital to helping students to fully explore their college options – and make sound decisions for their future. Students must meet scheduled benchmarks in the college search process throughout their junior and senior years, ensuring timely submission of applications.
With the support of the Lloyd G. Balfour Foundation, we are committed to ensuring that despite the barriers they may face, low-income, first-generation students will have full access to a quality education and the chance to achieve their dreams of a college education.