Inspiring Futures, One Child at a Time
Empowering youth through education, mentorship, fitness, and community engagement since 2021.
Who We Are
The Youth Education Development Academy (YEDA) is a non-profit, community-focused organization founded in 2021 to provide supplemental enrichment programs for youth in the Chicago South Suburbs. Our vision is to unlock the potential of every child by emphasizing mental, emotional, and physical well-being, fostering community engagement, and building effective communication skills.
By collaborating with families, schools, and local organizations, we create a supportive environment where youth are empowered to grow, lead, and succeed. Through our diverse range of programs—including mentorship, education, fitness, and community initiatives—YEDA helps shape the next generation of strong, confident leaders prepared to make a lasting impact.
Our Mission
To deliver an enriching learning experience, foster positive lifestyle choices, provide foundational fitness skills, and equip our youth with the interpersonal artistry to thrive in life, in a supportive environment, rooted in respect and collaboration between the students, families, schools and our communities.
Our Four Areas of Impact
YEDA offers a wide range of programs and initiatives designed to empower both youth and parents, fostering growth, education, and community enrichment.
Click each button below to explore our key areas of impact.
Community
Community is at the heart of everything YEDA does. We excel at bringing together local nonprofits, small businesses, and community leaders to build a network of resources that benefits not only the families of our participants but the entire community. By fostering collaboration and supporting each other’s missions, YEDA creates stronger, more connected neighborhoods, especially in areas that lack equitable access to essential resources.
Key Initiatives:
Empowering Local Organizations: YEDA supports non-profits and community groups by hosting workshops and providing opportunities to learn skills like grant writing or marketing, helping them grow their missions and reach.
Building Connections: Through events like our annual Back2School Festival, we connect families with essential resources, distribute school supplies, and celebrate the start of a new academic year.
Promoting Community Collaboration: Events such as the Stone Soup Workshop unite businesses, schools, and local organizations to address shared challenges and create impactful solutions.
Resource Networking: One of YEDA’s core strengths is establishing networks of support for parents, offering access to programs in financial literacy, youth mentoring, behavioral support, and so much more.
By combining these efforts with ongoing initiatives like youth crime prevention partnerships and wellness programs, YEDA remains dedicated to empowering communities, ensuring that families and organizations alike have the tools they need to succeed.
Youth Highlights
Andre Sky Hogan – A Story of Growth and Achievement
Sky’s journey with YEDA highlights the transformative power of mentorship, education, and athletics. Initially shy, Sky gained confidence through YEDA’s basketball league, where refereeing helped him develop leadership and communication skills. Academically, he excelled, earning a 4.0 GPA for two consecutive quarters and ranking #1 in his freshman class of 553 in an international baccalaureate program. On the track, he broke his school’s cross-country record, becoming the fastest freshman to complete the 3K. YEDA also supported Sky’s growth through volunteer opportunities, fostering his sense of purpose and responsibility. Sky’s success exemplifies YEDA’s commitment to empowering youth.
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Kenan Maxey – Building Confidence & Character
Kenan’s journey with YEDA has been transformative, helping him grow in confidence, resilience, and emotional strength. He has learned to stay calm and collected in challenging situations, resolving issues with a level-headed approach. Through mentorship, he has developed a more positive mindset, striving to be a great person no matter the circumstances. YEDA has also encouraged him to express his emotions in a healthy way, helping him open up about his feelings and personal growth. Stepping outside his comfort zone has shown him that pushing himself—both mentally and emotionally—can lead to success in all areas of life.
Built on Values
Community
Community is at the core of everything we do: networking, pooled resources, youth development, and more.
Integrity
As role models, we show the youth what it means to stand for something so they don't fall for anything.
Faith
Our faith allows us to face adversity with strength and courage.
Respect
While under our guidance, we empower our youth to see the value of showing and earning respect.
Character
Through example and teaching, we motivate our children to have character and live righteously.
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Collaboration
We partner with other youth organizations to build alliances that enhance the offerings for our youth.
Join Us in Making a Difference
YEDA empowers young people to uncover their potential, building confidence, motivation, and resilience—but we can’t do it alone! Your support helps us continue creating impactful programs and events while keeping them accessible and affordable for families in our community, many of whom face barriers to resources like ours. Together, we can foster a brighter future for our youth and our neighborhoods.
Your involvement makes all the difference. Join us in shaping the next generation of leaders and changemakers!