The Ypsilanti non-profit Educate Youth was officially founded in 2017. Before its establishment, Founder and Executive Director Gail Wolkoff, an experienced educator, was involved in numerous educational pursuits, including teaching at Greenhills School in Ann Arbor.
“The primary mission of Educate Youth is to provide academic, social and emotional support to ensure students complete their daily assignments, graduate from high school, and pursue a post-secondary path. Many of our students go on to attend community colleges, colleges and universities,” Wolkoff said. “…We supply transportation, school supplies, hygiene supplies and food for the day if they need to take some home. We try to eliminate all the barriers that might prevent students from completing their homework.”
Educate Youth serves students living in the 48197 and 48198 zip codes, focusing on seventh through twelfth graders through its after-school program.
“We go to six different schools if necessary, and then we take them home at 6:30(pm),” Wolkoff said.
The organization typically serves 16 to 17 students during the academic year and works with a different set of students over the summer.
“So within a calendar year, we work with about 25 students,” Wolkoff said.
With extensive teaching and supervisory experience, Wolkoff brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. She lives in Ypsilanti worked at Greenhills School in education and administration for 17 years.
Her experience as a service learning director taught her the importance of listening to community needs.
A typical day for a student at Educate Youth begins with transportation to the organization’s clubhouse, where they have a chance to eat a snack, catch up with friends, play basketball, or spend time outdoors. The day also includes a period known as “circle time.”
“We sit in a circle, we check in, we talk about what’s going on, and we have conversations,” Wolkoff said.
Following that, students focus on schoolwork.
“Each student has a work spot, so we have a lot of desks set up,” Wolkoff said. “Tutors go around and visit them, making sure they understand what they’re doing. When students sign into the program, parents complete a form, so we can communicate with the teachers and schools using whatever parental platform is available.”
Educate Youth closely monitors grades, missing assignments and attendance. The organization has two full-time staff members, supplemented by volunteers, including students from Eastern Michigan University and community members.
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One significant measure of Educate Youth’s success is its remarkable 100% graduation rate. Most students hear about the program through word of mouth.
“This is the major way people find Educate Youth. It’s by word of mouth from students,” Wolkoff said.
Family members, counselors and community organizations also recommend the program.
“Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles often tell others about Educate Youth,” Wolkoff said. “Some parents will research after-school programs and find us, and we’ve also worked occasionally with the court system.”
Funding for Educate Youth comes from grants, business support and generous personal and private donations.
Rising Ambition
Educate Youth will host a fundraiser on May 17 titled “Rising Ambition,” a name chosen by the students to further support its mission. The event will feature poetry written by students under the mentorship of respected local poets Dr. Richard Thomas and Jane Bridges.
“Richard Thomas is from MSU and a contemporary of Langston Hughes and Jane Bridges was an Ann Arbor teacher,” Wolkoff said.
Dr. Richard Thomas is a Professor Emeritus of History at Michigan State University. Jane Bridges is a retired Ann Arbor and Greenhills teacher.
Educate Youth, located at 104 South Huron Street #1 in Ypsilanti, is a space for academic assistance and where students receive emotional and social support. The organization continues to break down barriers and help students reach their full potential through personalized attention, dedicated mentorship and a strong community network.
The upcoming “Rising Ambition” event offers an excellent opportunity to celebrate these students’ achievements and support their futures and is on Saturday, May 17 from 6 to 9 p.m. It is billed as “an evening of live jazz, poetry, auction and desserts at the Ladies Literary Club in Ypsilanti.”
