yo success stories


Overview

The mission of the Youth Opportunity (YO!) Baltimore is to help City youth receive the education and career skills training needed to become successful adults. YO! serves any out-of-school youth 16 to 22 years of age who’s a resident of Baltimore City.  

The YO! strategy is youth-friendly. Its youth development approach meets young people where they are. Working with caring adults, participants form an Individual Opportunity Plan (IOP) or pathway to success. There are two YO! Centers that provide support services including:

  • GED and Pre-GED classes on-site at each Center
  • Screenings to identify careers that suits your skills and interests
  • Classes and on-line courses to help youth earn a diploma
  • Life skills, clubs and fun social events
  • Job readiness classes and job placement services
  • Career training in high growth industries
  • Computer Labs with Internet access
  • Youth lead community service projects and civic engagement
  • College Fairs and Tours
  • Health suite providing basic health services and education (Westside only)
  • Recording Studio (Westside only)
  • Fitness Center (Westside only)

History

Baltimore was one of 36 sites to receive a United States Department of Labor Youth Opportunity Grant in 1999 to serve youth 14 to 21 years of age living in the Empowerment Zone of Baltimore City. There were 3,480 served over the past 6 years with 388 receiving a diploma; 141 entered community college and 4 have received an associate’s degree; 84 entered a 4 year college and so far 3 have received their bachelor’s degree.

July 2006 the Youth Opportunity Grant ended. Baltimore City believed in the YO! approach and voted to provide funding to sustain this initiative. The City Grant along with the support of funding from other sources enables this important initiative for our youth to stay intact.

 

Mayor Sheila Dixon

 

Service locations and telephone numbers  

Youth Opportunity Community Center (Westside)
1510 W. Lafayette St.
(Gilmor Street entrance)
Baltimore , MD 21217
410-545-6953

Youth Opportunity Center/HEBCAC (Eastside)
1212 N. Wolfe St. , Baltimore , MD 21213
410-732-2661

How to enroll as a
YO! member:

You need to be a city resident that's out of school between the ages of 16 and 22.   You must have a social security card and a birth certificate to verify your age.  

Additionally, you need to be a city resident so bring a utility bill or some correspondence with your address on it to confirm your residency. Bring these documents to the center closes to your home to enroll.

 

If you do not have these documents, stop by one of the Centers and someone will help you take the steps you need to acquire your social security card or birth certificate.