Founded in 1987, Educating Young Minds (EYM) began more than 32 years ago with $50 and two students in a one-room apartment. Educating Young Minds grew out of the needs of many students and families for supplemental education and counseling programs and services, over-stressed public schools could not meet. EYM is now a thriving, comprehensive, non-profit organization that has been at the forefront of providing an unprecedented standard of academic excellence for hundreds of historically disadvantaged and marginalized, low-income, at risk students Pre-K-12th grades.
Today Educating Young Minds’ learning center, is located in the heart of the Crenshaw Corridor, serving Pre-K-12th grade students through seven programs, weekdays from 9:00 am-10:00 pm, Saturdays 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, Saturdays 9:00 am to 5:00 pm during the summers and 7 days per week on line (early learners’ curriculum and resources). With its facility and programs accessible to families from 9:00 am-10:00 pm, EYM continues to serve as a world-class supplemental academic institution whose missions continues to grow and serve those in need.
Monitored with continuous qualitative and quantitative control and data, the target areas served extend from our central location on Crenshaw, with virtual and non-virtual participants to adjoining neighborhoods where children have higher rates of school dropouts, gang participation, attempted suicide and juvenile incarceration. To date, EYM has served over 3,500 students and their families supporting both the marginalized student at risk of failing and the progressive honor roll student who desires advanced academic support
With subject specific teachers, instructors, advisers, community/corporate leaders, mentors, and computer tech instructors providing after school tutorial in phonics, math (basic-statistics) English, writing and sciences PreK-12th grades), STEM/STEAM enrichment classes, financial literacy learning materials/resources, computer technology, coding, programming, appropriate virtual/non-virtual early learners curriculum/resources, SAT/ACT prep, college prep, scholarships, career/life skills, and field trips, these programs and services assist in addressing the widening learning/social/career gaps that exists in our Crenshaw and neighboring communities. EYM customizes its programs and services while addressing the needs, and the cultural/social norms of the community.
Educating Young Minds also provides counseling, referral to public and social agencies, information and assistance in securing financial aid, and college scholarships. EYM assists parents in finding placement for students in both public magnet schools and charter schools. By both directly building up students' self-confidence and helping them enter stimulating, academically challenging school environments, EYM promotes the intellectual, emotional, and academic fitness of its students. Students with high levels of self-esteem set higher goals and more often achieve them.