Youth Life Learning Centers

Description

• The Youth Life Learning Center (YLLC) provides comprehensive after-school and summer programs for disadvantaged and underprivileged children living in insecure environments through academic, technical and moral training.
• On January 7, 2002, the Youth Life Learning Center opened its doors in West Nashville as an affiliate of the Darrell Green Youth Life Foundation of Washington, D.C. Former Washington Redskin Darrell Green opened the first Youth Life Learning Center in 1993 in Washington, D.C. We now have five sites in Nashville two sites in West Tennessee - (Memphis and Covington TN). Two additional sites will open in 2007 in Jacksonville and Orlando Florida.
• Each child's strengths and needs are identified so that a comprehensive plan can be developed to address his or her particular challenges. Daily, students are provided with homework assistance, targeted skill building exercises, and opportunities to read, write and practice math.
• The students have access to an on-site library that contains over 1,500 books and a state of the art computer lab where educational programs and the Internet are used to build essential skills.
• The YLLC staff focuses on assessing, measuring and tracking the academic progress of each student. Through assessment, goal setting, and planning each child is provided with a structure for success.
• The YLLC staff work with teachers and parents of each student to reinforce their educational experience. The YLLC hosts and participates in community events and activities that enhance family and community life.
• The YLLC encourages each child to develop strong character by focusing on character development. The YLLC uses the Character First! educational curriculum and a has a unique incentive-based behavioral program.
• At the YLLC students are assessed and observed to determine their natural gifts and vocational inclinations. They are given opportunities to explore and develop their natural talents through "Invent Time". They are then taught to use their gifts to serve others through monthly service learning projects.
• The program operates from 3pm-6pm, Monday through Friday throughout the school year, while providing an enhanced full-day program in the summer months. Students enroll in the program between Kindergarten and Grade Four, and may remain enrolled until graduating from high school. Students are involved in the Center's after-school and summer programs 4-5 days a week, with parental approval.
• Volunteers assist weekly with tutoring, mentoring, and administration.