Skyline High School student’s senior project video:
Educate Youth Mission video:
Jasmon Brown’s senior project video:
Educate Youth: Our Story and Mission
Educate Youth began in 2011 as “Dedicated to Make a Change L3C” when founder Gail Wolkoff, a former Greenhills School educator, recognized the lack of accessible academic afterschool programs for Ypsilanti teens. What started as a free, four-week summer program at the local library—with academics, community service, transportation, and meals—quickly grew into a year-round initiative at the students’ request. This marked the beginning of H.O.P.E. (Having Opportunities for Positive Education), S.A.T. prep, Prevent and Prevail (a dialogue-based health education program), and Ethics Bowl.
In 2017, Educate Youth became a 501(c)(3), expanding its reach and impact. A Board of Directors was established, and the mission remained focused: connecting youth with the world to promote peace, personal growth, and a lifelong love of learning—while interrupting the school-to-prison pipeline..
We serve Ypsilanti teens ages 13–17, prioritizing students with limited academic resources. Most are referred through word-of-mouth, but many also come via the sheriff’s department, school counselors, or the court system. Our trauma-informed approach includes tutoring, mentoring, social-emotional support, hot meals, school supplies, and basic needs.
Educate Youth works to ensure every student graduates from high school with a two-year plan for their future. Through mentorship, responsive programming, and trusted relationships, we help students overcome systemic barriers and pursue lives aligned with their dreams.
Educate Youth 