Zerubabel began grade school as a non-English speaker. “Sometimes I would misunderstand the homework assignments or what the teacher was saying in class.
I didn’t participate in class as much as I wanted to” said Zerubabel. Concerned, her mother sent her to EYM to get the help she needed.
Working with invested tutors, Zerubabel went from failing to honor roll by the end of the school year. “After EYM, I never felt scared in the classroom again and am confident I can get all A’s now!” Zerubabel said.
EYM has now transitioned its full suite of services to a virtual platform, Access/No Excuse since March of 2020.
Hundreds of students, like Zerubabel, are taking advantage of EYM’s computer tech programs, early learner interactive curriculum, counseling, mentoring, community resources, and more.
This expansion is possible, in part, because of a recent award from Amazon Studios who awarded EYM with a grant of $175,000.00.
EYM’s Development Advisor, Rachel Chanel Clarke, stated “Because of this grant, we can now impact even more at-risk youth in low-income areas on a national level”.
EYM’s framework addresses the following specific needs: GPA’s, life/behavior skills, financial literacy, college prep, self-esteem, communication skills, functional family/social skills, peer pressure/bullying, addictive substances, socio-academic strengths, and attributes, building healthy relationships, healing from past trauma, peer pressure, and socio-academic/ behavioral challenges.
In terms of coming together, EYM has a history of collaborating with partners to serve at-risk kids, including GRX Immersive Labs which facilitates Augmented Reality learning, the Duke Media Foundation with a film production and arts component, and Treadwell Entertainment Group.
Platinum Entertainment producers rallied behind the non-profit to produce a webinar series for the students with guest speakers Debbie Allen, Netflix Board Member Anne Sweeney, and GRAMMY Museum Founding Executive Director Bob Santelli.
The initial expansion of the after-school tutorial program was funded by a $1 million grant from the Ray Charles Foundation, and the online component, Access/No Excuse, was developed by the CEO and two of her alumni, Todd Chisom and Adam Craig.
EYM has a consistent 100% high school graduation rate and a 4-year collegiate graduation rate of 82%, nearly six times the 14.6% national average of low-income Black students.[1]
EYM has a consistent 100% high school graduation rate and a 4-year collegiate graduation rate of 82%, nearly six times the 14.6% national average of low-income Black students.[1]
And with 25% of EYM’s students returning as volunteers, tutors, admin staff, and/or mentors at some point in their careers, the program continues to strengthen and is expanding nationally to serve even more high-risk/ low-income children in need.
Educating Young Minds
Established in 1987 by Angeles Echols, Educating Young Minds is a 501C3 Non-Profit women/Black-owned organization.
Their mission is to holistically transform, enhance and impact the academic, emotional, social, and professional trajectories of today’s high-risk, at-risk, low-income, under-served, or special needs students (with IEPs or labeled ADD/ADHD).
Their multifaceted programs, methodology, and culturally relevant resources and services for youth and their families expand, extend, and employ preventive- intervention socio-academic and life skill platforms and strategies.
They provide virtual and non-virtual programs, resources, and services guided by developmentally appropriate principles for students grades PreK-12th grades.
EYM’s framework addresses the following specific needs: GPA’s, life/behavior skills, financial literacy, college prep, self-esteem, communication skills, functional family/social skills, peer pressure/bullying, addictive substances, socio-academic strengths, and attributes, building healthy relationships, healing from past trauma, peer pressure, and socio-academic/ behavioral challenges.
Educating Young Mind’s (EYM) desire is to assist in increasing college acceptance rates among students from underrepresented communities, reduce juvenile incarceration to prison pipeline, and encourage parent/guardian engagement with community resources.
The Taproot Foundation conducted a six-month program audit comparing the EYM culture and methodology to other successful supplemental education programs e.g., Beyond the Bell, Bresee, and others.
The results demonstrated that comparatively, EYM provides a higher level of quality services and resources including more individualized attention, learning time, and customized curriculum for students with varied learning abilities.
Additionally, they were found to have lower teacher-to-student ratios, college scholarships, computer access with the software needed for homework/projects, extended hours during weekdays, and significant parent/guardian participation and accountability which is critical to any child’s success.
Join EYM’s full suite of services on their virtual platform Access/No Excuse
Photo credit: 1) Students. 2) Founder Angeles Echols
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