What is the YDC?

The Youth Development Center (YDC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to inspire, equip, and guide urban youth to LIVE!  From our facility in the northeast sector of Houston, the program serves children from the Greater Fifth Ward.  Currently, YDC operates an after-school academic remediation program that addresses literacy development for inner city students in grades
3 - 8.  Children in second grade are accepted on a case-by-case basis.

During the 2004-2006 academic years, YDC served students in grades 5 - 8 only.  These students have posted an average gain of at least two grade levels in their reading skills each year in the program.  YDC successfully expanded its program during the 2007-2008 academic year to include students in grades 3 and 4, along with several students in grade 2.  The students in grades 2, 3, and 4 showed an average improvement of 1.35 grade levels in reading proficiency after one year in the program while the students in grades 5 - 8 continued to show advancement of at least two grade levels during the past academic year. During the past academic year, YDC students in grade 5 - 8 posted average gains of 2.6 grade levels of reading improvement and students in grades 2 - 4 increased their reading abilities an average of 1.7 grade levels.

Each YDC student's annual improvement in reading ability is independently verified through nationally recognized assessment testing at the beginning and conclusion of each academic year. YDC's proven literacy remediation program helps struggling students make outstanding gains in reading proficiency, promotes character development and builds self esteem.