Youth Development Programs

YES! (YOUTH EDUCATION SUCCESS)

YES! offers a free, safe, enriching space after school and during school vacations for youths ages 5 to 14, most of whom live in Lowell’s Acre neighborhood. Housed in newly renovated space on Moody Street in the heart of the Acre, YES! offers hands-on enrichment activities including cooking classes, , age-appropriate financial education, and arts & crafts that foster creativity, teach practical skills and boost confidence. There is also plenty of time for outdoor play at the nearby Moody Street playground. Youth also enjoy field trips during school vacations and summer recess with destinations including the Boston Science Museum and New England Aquarium, Northshore beaches, and local parks. Each day ends with a healthy dinner prepared in-house in the CBA kitchen.

PARENT UNIVERSITY

Parent U is a free, 6-week family engagement workshop for Acre parents and guardians offered in partnership with the UMass Lowell School of Education under the direction of Professor Phitsamay Uy, Ed.D. Dr. Uy is Associate Professor, Leadership in Schooling, Graduate Coordinator for Ed.D Programs, and Co-director of L’s Center for Asian American Studies

The program is particularly geared toward recent immigrants, to help them understand and navigate the public school system. Select topics in this evidence-based curriculum include:

• Knowledge of parental rights

• Effective home-school communication

• Navigating school registration and other systems

• Understanding age-appropriate emotional and social development