Create Your Dreams (CYD)

Potential is Universal. Opportunity is Not.

CYD is unique — our approach is long-term, multi-tiered, and personal. We make a fourteen-year promise to families. Students join CYD in the second grade in groups of 10-12 and remain part of that group until they graduate high school and begin college. 

We are proud of our success: 100% of students who complete CYD graduate high school. This graduation rate far exceeds local, statewide and national rates. We are also grateful for all our students who have continued to excel:  

• 96% of graduates began a post-secondary degree
• 88% are enrolled or have earned their post-secondary degree 
• 45% of alums who earned their bachelor's degree, earned their master's degree! 

CYD contributes to the development of the whole child, giving them support and encouragement. We strive to:

• Create strong, long-term relationships with and among our students,
• Provide a safe, loving environment for all of our students,
• Encourage self-confidence and leadership to help our students set goals and make smart, healthy decisions,
• Help students build essential skills necessary to excel in academics,
• Enrich the lives of our students by helping them explore their interests,
• Provide a variety of opportunities and resources,
• Prepare our students for a productive, adult life by teaching them about careers and professionalism, and
• Teach the importance of service to others and giving back to the community.

CYD has five core programs students attend year-round, six days a week, along with two funds that together provide the vital wraparound services students living below the poverty line need to succeed and achieve their goal of a brighter future. All CYD programming is free of charge to students, and all activities include meals and transportation.

For info on CYD's response to COVID-19 visit the LEARNING PODS tab at the top of this page.