The World Youth Foundation: A Volunteer Organization for 33 Years Making an Impact
“Cultivating the whole child means to nurture and support their holistic development.” ~ Karen Levingston – Franklin, CEO & Chairman
Each day, an evaluated 11.3 million youth leave school with no place to go. This number only rises within the mid-year. These kids miss out on valuable learning opportunities, as well as a secure place to go when school is not in session. Having out-of-school time programs can make a considerable difference in their lives presently and in the future. These programs can aid kids to learn, develop and dodge hazardous behaviors. Over 10 million children attend after-school programs once the school day ends.
Nonprofits continuously seek quality volunteers and quality out-of-school time suppliers are trying to find openings for kids and youngsters to perform benefit learning encounters. The CEO thanks the City of Houston, Mayor Sylvester Turner, VMPT Martha Castex Tatum, the Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee, James Harris, H-E-B Family, Claude Cummings, Jr., CWA, and many others who have been significant in allowing our 33 years to be made possible.
Since its founding in 1990, the World Youth Foundation (WYF) has continued its mission to “Empower every youth to win in life against all odds”. Thirty-three years ago, the trailblazing Founder & CEO of WYF, Karen Levingston – Franklin, had a bold vision to deliver transformative programs to millions of youths around the world that would lead to a healthier and more equitable future for each of them.
The World Youth Foundation is a local nonprofit organization that serves as a vehicle to improve the development and character of the “Whole Child” – Mind, Body, and Character. The organization’s all-encompassing approach creates and delivers cost-free out-of-school-time learning programs and evidence-based mentoring for underrepresented youth across the nation. However, primarily targets Houston, the Greater Surrounding Areas, and DFW. Today, Franklin’s focus and drive continue to increase more rigorously in terms of addressing our nation’s education inequities, workforce skills gaps, and the growing wealth gap across disinvested communities.Her innovative nonprofit ecosystem joins together partners, volunteers, government and business organizations, educators, and parents to prepare our youth for tomorrow’s technologically advancing world. Recently, WYF partnered with teams of technologists to build the “Youth Life Accelerator” app. The portal is designed to accelerate early career discovery, and future envisioning, and help execute and track the success of a young person’s life throughout their journey from elementary school through career lifelong learning.
Perhaps this introduction to the non-profit seems organized to some. However, Franklin speaks with a level of passion that surpasses any mission statement or vision. She is the vision manifested which sits on sturdy ground rooted in passion, purpose, and her pioneering spirit.
During a 2018 clip posted on the organization’s Facebook page, the business maven can be seen engaging with a young man as he works to assess his thoughts and feelings on a matter prior to deciding to do better at something.
“Use your voice,” she told the young man with a patient tone. Her tranquility gave a kind space for the youth to feel embraced and able to vocalize his thinking through encouragement, reinforcement, and a momentary impact filled with possibility.
Recently celebrating a milestone as the company turned 33 in April, Franklin told d-mars.com how exceptionalism for kids’ development is nurtured “beyond the classroom.”
Here’s What We Learned About the Foundation:
- Ms. Franklin, what was the motivation behind WYF? Why the creation of this organization in the non-profit sector versus other options?
My decision to start a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving youth was driven by my deep sense of purpose and responsibility to be a positive role model in the world. My passion has always been to understand what motivates young people to succeed in life and the hurdles that stopped them from achieving that success.
Once I deeply understood those barriers, I knew that my sole purpose on this earth would be to help them move beyond those to discover their definitive voice. This meant creating a platform for them to build their self-confidence by encouraging them to take risks, try new things, and celebrate their achievements along the journey to help them “win in life against all odds.”
- What has become a typical day for you towards the advancement of others?
I wake up each day in prayer and meditation, thinking about what more I can do to empower businesses and young people each day with the tools to express themselves authentically, confidently, and effectively. I work with many partners to design and deliver the necessary tools, support, and opportunities to discover and develop our young people’s unique perspectives, talents, and views.
I personally get an opportunity to witness the power of what happens when they gain the ability to articulate their thoughts, emotions, and beliefs so that they can advocate for themselves, communicate their needs, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
- What does cultivating the “whole child” – mind, body, and character mean to you now in an age where our world has seen so much war towards youth as opposed to when WYF was established in 1990?
To me, cultivating the whole child means nurturing and supporting their holistic development, encompassing their mind, body, and character. It emphasizes a comprehensive approach to education and personal growth beyond academic achievement alone. When we talk about the mind, this involves providing opportunities for intellectual growth, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving.
When we talk about the body, this means focusing on promoting physical health and well-being. It involves encouraging regular exercise, healthy eating habits, and maintaining an active lifestyle. And finally, the character component of all of this encompasses the social, emotional, and ethical aspects of a child’s personality. Together, this promotes positive relationships, empathy towards others, and a sense of social and community responsibility.
- How does WYF create more engagement for youth to participate and get involved in discovering paths to quality enrichment?
I will give you a real-world example, although there are thousands, I could share with you. One of your young WYF Ambassadors, Christian Craddock. He started his journey with our foundation when he was in middle school. Fast forward to college, he still participates in our program by providing mentorship to other students. Recently, he was selected from a large pool of candidates to attend Disney University for an immersive internship. Christian also launched a startup clothing business and attributes his successes to the WYF learning and mentoring programs.
- What’s next for WYF and how can children get involved?
As we celebrate 33 Years of serving our communities with excellence, we will host our first-ever Back 2 School Summit at the George R. Brown Convention Center on July 23, 2023. More than 2,000 youth across Houston and the Greater Surrounding Areas will join a host of business, government, and industry leaders to learn about next-generation STEM + Health education and careers through inspiring talks that will empower them to act and lead change across their communities.
The youth will also participate in a “dance-off contest” where there will be cash prizes given. So, students don’t want to miss this exciting youth conference dedicated to advancing their futures. Also, we have an exciting opportunity through our partnership with ARAMARK and are looking for FUN and ENERGETIC Volunteers for the 2023 Astros & Houston Texans season. If you are 21+, register here to find out more details. https://lnkd.in/giKiM3B5
To participate in any of this year’s celebratory events including the Back to School Summit, please visit www.worldyouthfoundation.org
