Transforming Lives Through Belonging 

Since 2009, Access Youth has been proving that when students feel they belong, everything changes. Our relationship-centered approach delivers measurable results for students, schools, and communities. 

    • Nearly 1,000 students served annually 

    • 8 DC public schools in Wards 7 & 8 

    • Nearly 100% of our participants are low-income middle and high school students facing the greatest challenges 

    • Full-time, in-school support five days a week 

    • 95% of Access Youth students graduate or promote to the next grade level each year 

    • 85% of Access Youth students exhibit increased pro-social behavior

    Truancy Prevention Impact 

    Students in our Truancy Prevention program experience 20-25% fewer unexcused absences than their peers. By helping students overcome barriers to attendance and rebuild their connection to school, we're putting young people back on the path to graduation and success. 

     

    Restorative Justice Impact 

    More than 85% of students participating in our Restorative Justice program avoid being suspended for similar offenses within the same school year. By addressing root causes of behavior challenges and teaching conflict resolution skills, we're keeping students in school and engaged in learning. 

  • These outcomes represent more than statistics—they represent young people who are: 

    • Showing up to school consistently and engaging in learning 

    • Building positive relationships with peers and adults 

    • Developing skills to navigate challenges and conflicts 

    • Staying on track toward graduation 

    • Gaining confidence and hope for their futures 

The Ripple Effect

When students succeed, the benefits extend far beyond the individual: 

Schools experience improved climate, reduced disciplinary incidents, and stronger student engagement 

Families see their children thriving and reconnecting with education 

Communities benefit from young people developing into successful, contributing members of society.

Academic & Economic Impact 


There is no economic mobility without a high school diploma. By reducing absences and suspensions, Access Youth helps students stay in class and available for instruction, complete coursework, and earn the credits they need to stay on track for promotion and graduation. Access Youth students attain higher GPAs and more credits earned than their peers not in our programs—often just enough to move from failing to passing and from being held back to moving ahead with their peers.

Student Testimonials

“I’m learning how to stay in control—even when life feels overwhelming. At home, I help care for my siblings and support my mom. At school, I sometimes struggle to focus, but my friends and mentors help me stay grounded. Ms. Alethia, the Access Youth Program Manager, has taught me how to reflect before reacting and move forward with confidence. With her support I’m growing stronger.

–Rayven, 8th Grader

“Ms. Young from Access Youth has been a shoulder to cry on and a calming, nurturing spirit. She’s a great motivator when I am feeling defeated. I am the eldest of seven children, a first-generation American, a first-generation high school graduate, and I will be a first-generation college graduate.”

– Aniyah, 12th Grader

“Access Youth helped me embrace parts of myself I used to hide—and gave me the confidence to chase my goals with more drive than ever. I’ve learned how to communicate clearly, even in tough situations, whether it’s speaking up in male-dominated spaces or working through a disagreement with my mom. What I’ve learned here has helped me grow—and made my community feel more like home. This program shapes who you are, far beyond high school.”

–Shaelyn, 11th Grader

“I used to fight a lot and struggled to be heard—but a mediation with Access Youth in 9th grade changed everything. Since then, I’ve become more self-aware and confident. Through the M.A.D.E. program, summer activities, and the retreat, I’ve learned how to understand myself better and stay true to who I am. I’m funny, confident, and love basketball. I just want to be happy—and right now, I’m choosing between multiple college offers and excited for what’s next.”

–Nefertiti, 12th Grader