Youth Learning Center

HISTORY The Youth Learning Center (YLC) is founded on the belief that every child can be successful given the right opportunities and supportive environments. Minister Willie L. Kent, Sr., and Ray and Judy DeLuca Ford founded the organization in 2003 as Youth Technology and Education Center (YTEC). At that time, Willie L. Kent, Sr., was already a t... ireless force of good in his community--in addition to working a 50-hour a week job, he also shepherded a community church and ran a food pantry, a prison ministry, a youth program, and a homeless shelter in the loft of the church for 22 men. Through their friendship, which developed as coworkers at Buckeye International Inc., Minister Kent and the Fords provided a vision for YLC that continues today. The generous contributions of Ray and Judy Deluca Ford helped expand and bring their shared vision into physical reality. Minister Kent and the Fords quickly realized the need to consolidate their mission into one concentrated focus. They wanted to give children as much opportunity as possible, as early as possible to achieve their goals and dreams. The founders teamed up with some great volunteers to provide their time and talents to help tutor and nurture our students as well as serve as founding board members. They first created a gardening project for the children where they learned how to work the land, plant and harvest their crops, and enjoy them food products for themselves and their families. Seeing the amount of energy and enthusiasm the children and community gave to the gardening program, the founders decided to focus that enthusiasm solely on academic preparation, character building, and community service; this was the beginning of YLC. The mission of Minister Kent and the Fords continues as YLC's mission today: provides unique academic and enrichment experiences for youth from underserved communities to inspire lifelong learning, social responsibility, and moral leadership. Their goal and YLC's continued goal is to have each child achieve his or her ...Read More