Empowered U Youth Movement

Empowered U Youth Movement focuses on teaching youth that in everything they pursue, their mindset and perspective matters. The goal of the Empowered U is to help youth change their view on life and getting them to a point of taking ownership of their decisions and become motivated for greatness. Our purpose is to empower youth to begin making healthy choices that will get them on the right track to success.

ImpACT Mentoring Program - ImpACT allows the mentee to explore new ideas in confidence. It is a chance for them to look more closely at inner self, issues they face, and opportunities to achieve their goals. Sample topics covered include, but are not limited to:
Financial Literacy
Goal Setting
Healthy Choices
Self Esteem
Stress Management
Leadership Development
Public Speaking
Resume Writing/Job Interview Skills

OneEighty Youth Panel - Our youth panel allows youth to express what "I Wish Adults Knew" and give their perspective on issues that they encounter daily. It bridges the gap between youth and older generations to better understand their needs and how we can meet them.
The youth panel selects area youth to serve as panelists at Empowered U sponsored events, as well as at the request of other community organizations and agencies. The Empowered U OneEighty Youth Panel most recently served as the keynote speaker for the State Coalition for Youth Engagement and Access (SC YEA) Safe Schools Summit.

Service Learning/Community Service - Out organization along with youth volunteers complete multiple community service projects throughout the year. Past projects include a coat drive for the homeless, community clean-ups with Palmetto Pride, lunch distribution to the homeless and various activities to have the youth connect to their communities and realize their roles as citizens.

EDGE U - This program is a bridge for recently incarcerated youth. Empowered U currently provides weekly mentoring to youth in the SC Department of Juvenile Justice. EDGE U is a transitional program for youth; leaving the juvenile justice system and transitioning back into the community and schools. The goal of this program is to help youth get back on their feet mentally and emotionally.
Support services include:
• Transitional Assistance
• Academic Support
• Career Development
• Financial Education
• Social Services/Counseling

Testimonials

To date, Empowered U has worked with over 4,000 youth in Richland and Lexington Counties. Youth we support come from all walks of life including low-income, incarcerated in the juvenile justice system, foster home to traditional homes with one or both parents/caregiver. Our belief is that no matter where they begin, all youth have the potential to succeed.