Youth Development Specialists partner in the development of work stations, based on the age, developmental, and academic level of the child. Stations are focused on technology, academics, and the arts. The Academy currently serves children from Kindergarten through Eighth grade, eventually expanding to serve youth through high school. The Academy has focused their attention on incorporating academics into daily programming and in developing community collaborations that would open new doors for the youth and their families. Services are also offered full-day during school breaks, including holiday breaks.

Youth Development Specialists partner with youth and parents to create an environment that is both fun and educational. We work daily on youth academics, doing projects that encompass arts and crafts, education and learning development.

Dream Share, which develops the expressive nature of students, who learn how to articulate their thoughts through oral story telling. This also strengthens their reading, writing, and listening skills. U of I students and two staff offer weekly mentoring to the youth. Students are learning how to interview former and current community members of Jane Boyd, and use the skills they learn to perform short stories in front of other students.

Jane Boyd’s 30-unit computer lab, developed with the assistance of the Rockwell REACT Center, and the Rockwell Collins Retired Volunteers, allows for typing instruction, completing homework assignments, and ensuring that at risk youth have equal access to technology. The long-range goal is to expand utilization of the lab, to allow parents to develop their technological skills, thereby increasing their opportunities for employment.

“Money Matters,” uses money to emphasize math skills and bring forth a greater understanding of the banking institution. The youth learn how math is used, and how banking functions, as well as how to balance a checkbook, use a ledger sheet, and the traps of revolving debt.

The Jane Boyd Chess Club, emphasizes self-discipline, attention span, and the life lessons learned through the game itself. There are numerous other activities teaching valuable life lessons, such as cooking class, knitting instruction, board games, history lessons, and field trips to the library and other educational learning environments.