Organization

Lady Young Savants with Supporter

Young Savants is primarily a volunteer organization and to date there are no paid staff members. This grass roots organization is under the leadership of Coach Okiwe who currently works out of his home. Therefore, the majority of donations received go directly towards providing services for the students.

A unique feature of Young Savants is that it encourages and requires youth, who complete the program, to return after graduating to ‘give back’ to the organization by volunteering. This creates a wonderful cycle of volunteering and philanthropy.

Young Savants serves a diverse group of males and females grades 6-12 who are growing up in traditionally under served communities, primarily in Boston.

Over 90% of the youth we serve live in the Greater Boston area. The remaining participants live in neighborhoods just outside of Greater Boston.  Many of our youngsters face a set of realities and challenges often associated with life in traditionally under served communities. Research has shown that children in low-income urban communities are more likely than their more privileged peers to drop out of school prior to graduation; less likely to go to college; more likely to be exposed to physical and verbal violence; are at greater risk of becoming parents before they are ready; live in communities with higher unemployment rates; and are more likely to grow up in single parent or limited English proficient homes.

Young Savants Coach With Student

Despite the fact that young people in the communities we serve have traditionally had fewer opportunities to succeed in life, we strongly believe that our program enables them to discover their strengths and leadership potential, and supports and motivates them to think optimistically about their futures. A third party evaluation of our program and testimonials from our participants have shown this to be true.

Through YS, young people develop meaningful relationships with adults, they are immersed in a safe and stimulating environment on the playing field, and they have opportunities to lead and to make real decisions with consequences. These elements, combined with participants’ involvement in our community partners’ programs, encourage our youngsters to strive for their personal best and to lead happy and successful lives.