NEIGHBORHOOD YOUTH ASSOCIATION (NYA), Los Angeles
Support for At-risk Children
The Neighborhood Youth Association in Mar Vista and Venice describes itself as a non-profit agency that is "building a better future, one kid at a time." Founded in 1906, NYA has always served low-income, troubled youth and their families, and now focuses on intensive educational support and family counseling to best achieve that goal.
Las Doradas Pre-School in Venice serves low-income children from 2-5 years old. Tuition is free. The Mar Vista facility provides after school and summer programs for children from the ages of five to eighteen and often involves children referred by the local public schools for additional academic or personal support. A comprehensive program called Personal Best encourages low-income and troubled students to expand their horizons and reach for the very best they can achieve through tutoring, arts and culture, social activities, career planning and ultimately, the chance to participate in NYA's high school leadership academy.
In recent years, 100% of the NYA students in the high school programs have gone on to college or some other form of professional training. Many then come back to tutor and inspire the younger students.
NYA sees itself as an extended family, shepherding children through the complicated process of growing up in challenging circumstances.
Materials and support for the pre-school - $25
Support for Teen Leadership Academy - $40