Category: Programs

Education

Teen Centers

Sponsored by GCDC since 2019, the Yazoo County YouthBuild (YCYB) is a youth and community development program that provides a meaningful “second chance” for area youth to earn their GED and gain valuable vocational skills and job-readiness training to increase their employability upon graduation.

Based on a national model, the 10-month program empowers youth to rebuild themselves as they rebuild their communities through a combination of work, education, service, and leadership development.

From intensive instruction to help participants receive their high school equivalency diploma, to vocational, computer and job-readiness training, every YouthBuild student receives a range of services to help them succeed. Graduates can earn the certifications and skills required for careers in construction, food handling, nursing, and more.

The ultimate goal of the program is self-sufficiency and sustainability for its graduates, while enabling them to help the surrounding community by constructing affordable housing, taking part in a variety of community service efforts, and leading community clean-ups.

Since its inception, YouthBuild has successfully graduated nearly 20 individuals.

To learn more: Please contact our Yazoo County YouthBuild Program Director at 662-746-5650 Ext. 15 or send us a message.

Early Learning

In helping to foster the next generation of productive citizens, Gateway Community Development Corporation reaches beyond the classroom. We invest in future residents and leaders of our community at their individual points of development – during after-school hours in youth and teen centers, in non-traditional educational programs, and through unique leadership opportunities. By providing these young residents with a head start, safe haven and, for some, a second chance, GCDC is consistently investing in the human potential of the great county of Yazoo.

GCDC operates comprehensive Teen Centers in four area high schools to promote healthy lifestyles and provide educational enrichment and support services. Through our AmeriCorps national service program (which we call the Paterson Community Schools Corps), GCDC works in several neighborhood schools to provide a range of supportive services to help students and families succeed.

Additionally, we provide inner-city children with comprehensive after-school programs, and programs such as the Yazoo County YouthBuild, and Yazoo County Youth Corps throughout the year to cultivate youth leadership and instill a sense of giving back to the community. GCDC also offers parent education classes for expectant families and parents of babies, toddlers, and preschoolers to help them improve their parenting skills.