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The E.J. Henderson Youth Academy Programs |
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The Dilemma (Reality)
The social and economic disparities prevalent among urban and suburban communities of Minneapolis leave many of our urban youth on the wrong side of opportunity and often on the wrong side of the law. Core academic programs like math, reading, writing, science and social studies have been clearly defined for numerous years; many urban school districts have not been able to obtain minimal standards because of limited resources and funding. Many youth are falling behind in the core areas because the resources aren’t available. This is not acceptable!
Our society has become more sedentary. Our young people are spending more of their time in non-physical pursuit of television, video games, movies and computers. We are seeing lower levels of physical fitness in increasingly larger numbers of boys and girls. Childhood obesity has increased. As a result, Type II diabetes has become prevalent in teenagers and preadolescents. This is not acceptable!
In response to these pressing concerns, programs have been created to support academic progress and reduce the lure of at-risk behavior in urban areas. However, there is a chronic shortage of quality, after-school youth fitness programs. This is especially true in the North Minneapolis area. The EJ Henderson Youth Foundation recognizes the need to improve access and quality in these types of programs, and is making a difference through it’s innovative approach to academics and fitness. The EJ Henderson Youth Foundation is committed to finding and promoting the solutions to these challenges in North Minneapolis.
Pass2Play Program
After-school hours are a peak time for juvenile crime and at-risk behaviors such as alcohol and drug use. This time can represent either an opportunity to learn and grow, through quality after-school programs, or a time of risk to a child’s health and safety.
The HYF Youth Academy created the innovative “PASS-2-PLAY” program to provide opportunities for youth of various social and economic backgrounds. Our goal is to improve the academic performance, social skills, career preparation and physical fitness of our recipients.
The PASS-2-PLAY programs are set up to allow participants to start at “ground zero” and ensure that their basic comprehensive skills are properly evaluated. Each student will proceed at their own pace. Demonstrating proficiency in the subject area and fulfillment of other program requirements, the student qualifies to “pass” into the sports & fitness training program. Assistance from our professional instructors is always available. All results and progress are tracked to ensure that the student stays on course. The results provide a gauge to the effectiveness of our program promote community development and social improvements. - more on the program
The Sharper Youth Foundation Education and Technology Lab.
Students will be exposed to a computer-based reading, math and writing curriculum in our state-of-the-art learning lab. Youth will also get exposure to industry standard computer applications including Microsoft Office . Each day the children attend the program, they must accomplish specific learning tasks, as well as demonstrate their willingness to learn and understand the importance of academics through participation in our program.
Provide health care to At-Risk youth
The Henderson-Sharper Life Skills Lounge.
Our Life Skills Lounge is a revolution in modern-day learning. The Life Skills Lounge offers students a safe and positive place to “unwind” after a long day at school. It features flat panel televisions and other electronic devices to provide “Media Mentoring”. Students will be able to participate in an “open discussion forum” of current day topics viewed in the media and discuss real-world implications with their instructors and peers.
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“Simply put, we need to ensure that youth (in North Minneapolis) get access to opportunities that strengthen skills and build connections in order to be well prepared for college, work and life.”
— R.T. Rybak, Mayor of Minneapolis
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