Our main program is CYD AfterSchool which students attend in small groups based on age. CYD AfterSchool offers a structured curriculum that complements our students’ educations and relates to their personal development by building a variety of skills (writing, reading, job-readiness, decision-making) through creative projects built around specific topics. In the 2008-9 school year, these topics include: self-awareness and expression, youth power and activism, financial literacy and entrepreneurship, music and culture, the environment and personal health/wellness.

Each day, Monday through Thursday during the academic year, a group of 8-12 students attends CYD AfterSchool. The groups are based on age. Because the groups remain the same year to year, they become the foundation for strong peer networks among our students. CYD AfterSchool includes teambuilding activities to foster this connection.

Each year, we review and evaluate our curriculum to ensure that it meets the needs and interests of our students.

Our activities:

• encourage creativity
• promote leadership and service
• build important skills such as: reading, writing, public speaking, and computer technology
• increase knowledge and awareness about goal setting and life planning, personal health and wellness, financial literacy and business, and job-readiness
• expose students to a variety of resources, cultural venues and exhibits, and experiences

After-school programs like  CYD AfterSchool are proven to have positive effects on the lives of their participants.  The United States Department of Health reports that children who attend high quality after-school programs have better "peer relationships, emotional adjustment, grades and school conduct."  Moreover, the YMCA reports that teens who do not participate in after-school programs are nearly three times more likely to skip class, use drugs, drink alcohol, smoke, and/or engage in sexual activity.