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Our Humble beginnings

Young Leaders' Academy was established as a not-for-profit out-of-school time program aimed at bridging the academic divide. In 2012, we noticed that there were no academic enrichment programs within the New Brighton section of Staten Island. In addition to this, the schools within the area were failing the students because they were not addressing the academic deficits of the students. Working in conjunction with Public School 31, we were able to address the academic needs of the students. ​ 

 

We opened our doors on July 3, 2012 and began our pilot program. In our pilot program we serviced sixty-eight (68) children of varying abilities. One of the most fundamental understandings that came out of the pilot program was the fact that students within the New Brighton section of Staten Island were unprepared to compete with their counterparts. It was evident that their futures were bleak unless there was an intensive early intervention program. In this vein, we created a unique blend of academics and recreation coupled with an incentive for achievement. Our program was structured in a manner that allowed for individual assessment and the creation of an individualized academic enrichment plan. Each day the students were given tasks to address their weaknesses. We began with students between the ages of five (5) and fourteen (14) years old. It quickly became evident that the program was structured in a manner that proved difficult for the older students to adhere to so we began to reduce the program age. We finally settled on students between the ages of four (4) and eight (8) years old. This age grouping proved ideal but it only solved half of the problem. Our students were able to excel when they were in the program but when they aged out of the program, the academic gains were short-lived. ​ 

 

Currently, we are utilizing a two-pronged approach to assure that the children do excel in school throughout their entire academic career (from preschool to college). This brings us to the establishment of a STEM Pre-school. Our pre-school will open on April 17, 2023 and it will establish an academic foundation for our students that will remain irrespective of their academic environment. We will introduce academic concepts early and often.  These concepts will guide our young children as they develop the habit of learning. We will help them to gain the self-esteem and sense of self-worth that propels them to succeed in school as well as in life.