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.