A comprehensive suite of over 10 enrichment programs designed to close the achievement gap, build 21st-century skills, and transform Detroit neighborhoods from the inside out.
Our school programs address every dimension of student development — academic, social, emotional, physical, and vocational — providing a holistic foundation for lifelong success.
One-on-one and small group tutoring sessions in core subjects — math, reading, science, and social studies. Our trained tutors work directly with students who are performing below grade level, using targeted strategies to close learning gaps and build confidence. Sessions are tailored to each student's unique needs, with regular progress assessments to track improvement and adjust curriculum.
Pairing students with positive adult role models who provide guidance, encouragement, and accountability. Our mentoring program — enhanced through partnerships with The Manhood Project and Young Men of Excellence — goes beyond academics to address character development, self-esteem, goal setting, and life skills. Mentors meet with students weekly to build lasting relationships that carry into adulthood.
A safe, structured, and engaging after-school environment that extends learning beyond the classroom bell. Activities include arts and crafts, creative writing, team sports, cultural enrichment, and project-based learning. Our after-school program keeps students productively engaged during critical afternoon hours while providing a nutritious snack and homework assistance before enrichment activities begin.
An accessible phone-based tutoring service that reaches students at home when they need help most. The Homework Hotline connects students and parents with knowledgeable volunteers who can walk them through assignments, explain difficult concepts, and provide encouragement — all from the comfort of home. This program was instrumental in reaching families during AYG's early years at Burns Elementary when chronic absenteeism was at its peak.
Equipping students with essential digital skills for the 21st-century economy. Our technology literacy program covers computer fundamentals, internet safety, digital communication, productivity software, and introductory coding concepts. Students learn to navigate the digital world responsibly while building the technical fluency that employers and colleges demand. Labs are equipped with modern computers donated through community partnerships.
Hands-on STEM education that brings engineering and programming to life. Students design, build, and program robots using industry-standard kits, learning mechanical engineering principles, computational thinking, and teamwork. The robotics program cultivates problem-solving skills and creative thinking while exposing students to career pathways in engineering, manufacturing, and technology that they may not otherwise encounter.
Targeted intervention strategies for students struggling with behavioral challenges. Working closely with school counselors and administrators, AYG's behavior intervention program uses evidence-based approaches — including conflict resolution, anger management, and positive reinforcement — to reduce discipline referrals and create safer learning environments. At Burns Elementary, this program contributed to a 47% decrease in discipline referrals within two years.
Holistic developmental programming that supports the cognitive, social, and emotional growth of young learners. Our child development program engages students through age-appropriate activities designed to strengthen executive function skills, social awareness, empathy, and self-regulation. We also provide parent education workshops to equip families with strategies for supporting their child's development at home.
Promoting physical and mental health awareness among students and families. Programs cover nutrition education, physical fitness, mental health literacy, stress management, and substance abuse prevention. We partner with local health professionals to bring interactive workshops, health screenings, and wellness resources directly into schools. By addressing health holistically, we help remove yet another barrier to student success.
Developing tomorrow's leaders through democratic participation and civic engagement. AYG's student government program teaches students how to organize, campaign, debate, and lead — skills that translate directly to college, career, and community life. Students elect representatives, propose initiatives, and manage real projects that improve their school. At Central Collegiate Academy, student government was a key driver in improving school culture and ownership.
AYG's community mission extends into the neighborhoods where our students live — because a child's environment shapes their potential.
Organized neighborhood clean-up events that mobilize students, families, and community volunteers to remove debris, clear vacant lots, and restore pride in Detroit's residential blocks. Regular cleanups in Morningside, East English Village, and surrounding neighborhoods have visibly transformed the streetscape — and given students a tangible sense of ownership over their community.
Securing abandoned and vacant homes to reduce blight, prevent unauthorized entry, and improve neighborhood safety. AYG coordinates with local authorities and volunteers to board up windows and doors of vacant properties — removing hazards that contribute to crime and creating a safer physical environment for students walking to and from school every day.
Partnering with Greening Detroit to plant trees, create green spaces, and teach students about environmental stewardship. Tree planting events bring together students, families, and environmental volunteers to add canopy cover, reduce heat islands, and beautify neighborhoods. Students learn about ecology, sustainability, and the connection between environmental health and community well-being.
AYG follows a proven three-step implementation model that ensures programs are sustainable, community-driven, and results-oriented.
AYG begins every new school or neighborhood partnership with a year of active volunteering. During this foundational phase, we embed ourselves in the community — attending school events, organizing volunteer days, conducting needs assessments, and building trust with families, educators, and local leaders. This boots-on-the-ground approach ensures that our programs are designed to address real, community-identified needs rather than imposed from the outside.
Armed with deep community knowledge from Year 1, AYG develops comprehensive program plans with measurable goals, timelines, and resource requirements. During this phase, we write grant proposals, cultivate donor relationships, and secure partnerships with organizations like United Way and The Greatness Camp. Budget planning, curriculum development, and volunteer recruitment happen in parallel to ensure a strong launch.
Programs launch with full staffing, resources, and community buy-in. AYG monitors progress through regular data collection — tracking attendance rates, test scores, discipline referrals, dropout rates, and community participation. We conduct quarterly reviews with school administrators and partners, adjusting strategies in real-time to maximize impact. After each program year, a comprehensive evaluation determines what to scale, refine, or sunset.
Whether you're a student, parent, educator, or community member — there's a program for you. Contact us to learn about enrollment, volunteer opportunities, or partnership possibilities.