About YOE

Youth on the Edge... of Greatness, Inc. (YOE, Inc.) was established in 1985 and was named a "National Exemplary Program" in 1995. YOE, Inc. provides after-school programming 5 days a week for youth ages 11 to 14 during the school year, and also offers a six week Summer Enrichment Program for youth ages 11 to 14. Our programs are based on two fundamental principles: 1) that our youth should be supported so they can create a brighter future for themselves, and 2) our youth can be leaders and contributors in our communtiy. YOE, Inc. is a State of Michigan licensed substance abuse prevention program, in addition to a supplemental education service provider.

YOE, Inc. after school programs currently serve 30 youth in two Eastside locations- Duke Ellington Conservatory of Music and Arts and the Villages at Parkside - along with 60 to 80 additional youth in its Summer Enrichment Program, which operates out of Warren/Conner Development Coalition. In 2003, YOE, Inc. expanded its core services to include a comprehensive Parent Involvement initiative.

YOE, Inc.'s main activities include academic support and enrichment, substance abuse prevention and life skills training, social and cultural activities, field trips, community outreach and leadership training, in addition to a parent involvement component designed to encourage parents to take a more active role in their child’s school life. As highlighted in its five year strategic plan, YOE’s key goals are to increase the academic achievement of participants, prevent the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs by participants, and encourage parental involvement to positively impact participants’ academic achievement.

Guiding Principles

• YOE is a safe haven in which youth can feel a sense of belonging and acceptance from peers and supportive adults.
• Youth are supported based on their individual strengths and needs.
• Youth have a voice in designing program content and defining program direction.
• YOE activities build skills in a variety of areas and offer meaningful, "real world" opportunities to practice and use these skills.
• YOE exposes youth to opportunities/alternatives and supports youth in good decision making about their futures.
• YOE programs operate on a consistent basis, 4 or 5 days a week during the school year, youth also attend YOE on a regular basis.
• YOE, Inc. works collaboratively with youth, parents, and schools to create programming that reflects the needs that are articulated by the community.