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Practical Skills for Lifelong Success

We equip youth with the tools, support, and mentorship they need to thrive in every stage of life.
life skills for youth kids read above their grade level

Turning After School Time Into Opportunity

Since the start of the program, the After-School and Summer Academies have been the most popular. LSY’s after school and summer academies have maintained a waiting list. The trend keeps growing as more and more families look to LSY for support during the out of school times.

LSY students typically read at least one grade level higher than their classmates.

2,000+

Families Impacted

4,300+

Youth Mentored

2,000,000+

Healthy Meals & Snacks Served

Programs That Make a Real Impact

Our programs cover every angle of a student’s life—education, emotional health, career goals, and beyond.
Anger, Time, and Money Management Program for Youth ATM (Anger, Time & Money) Management
This program teaches youth how to manage their Anger, Time, and Money. The first step of this program teaches the youth how to control their anger. This is executed through group sessions, one on one sessions, motivational speakers and workshops specifically geared at adolescents. Time management teaches our youth about setting timelines for daily activities such as: determining what they will wear for the next day, the night before, or how to set aside time for homework on a game night, etc. The last phase deals with ways to acquire and achieve monetary rewards on a long term basis and how to manage and maintain those rewards. Information, techniques and ideas from professionals, entrepreneurs and businesses are shared with the youth on moneymaking choices.
Little Rock Community Feeding Program Community Feeding Program
LSY has partnered with the Arkansas Department of Human Services (ADHS) to provide healthy meals and snacks for youth in our community since 2007. Mentorship and feeding children are at the heart of LSY. Our feeding program is unique because we host classes with a certified chef and teach parents and students how to prepare nutritious meals at home. Healthy eating habits is one of the core foundational life skills we teach at Life Skills for Youth. Teaching youth and parents about nutrition means a healthy family and a brighter tomorrow. Our Community Feeding Program has served 1,700 families and 3,800 students since 2007.

* Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
* Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)
Little Rock Parent Academy Parent Academy
Parent Academy teaches a parent how to implement good parenting skills and instill strong values for their child or children. This program provides the parent with an opportunity to engage one on one with other parents who can share real life parenting experiences. The classes are executed through group sessions, workshops, and hands on training with the parent specialists. These parent-teachers guide a parent in a step by step training process. The first step in our Parent Academy is that a parent gets to understand themselves better through a Question and Answer session with the parent-teacher. Parent Academy specializes in “Patience and Preparedness” for your child or children. The program teaches the parent to set goals and expectations for themselves and their family. The last phase of Parent Academy is preparing a structured plan that works for you, which also ensures a positive environment to raise a child. This program offers a positive choice to a better life situation for you and your family.
After-School Academy Afterschool Program After-School Academy
LSY After-School Academy is designed to provide youth with a safe environment that supports healthy growth and development in areas that influence student success and lifelong learning. During the after school and summer program, LSY offers individual tutoring, homework help, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) focused curriculum to increase academic performance of our students. In addition to academics, LSY is dedicated to preparing students for the real world. Each program incorporates workshops on leadership, life skills development, healthy lifestyle, physical fitness, ATM (anger, time, and money management), and much more.

Hours for After-School Academy are Monday through Friday 2 PM to 7 PM
Youth Summer Program Summer Academy Summer Academy
LSY Summer Academy is a ten (10) week summer experience designed for youth to engage in team building and leadership activities. During the summer program, LSY incorporates an intense time of fun through physical health and wellness activities, as well as academic preparation for the upcoming school year. Each day, youth participate in morning classes that focus on increasing math and literacy skills. During the afternoons, youth move into STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) activities and Spanish classes alternating with scheduled field trips that support academic discovery and exploration. Breakfast, lunch, and snack are served each day of our Summer Academy.

Hours for Summer Academy are Monday through Friday 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Saturday Academy Homework Help for Youth Saturday Academy
Saturday Academy is a program designed to provide youth with a safe environment to receive extended math, science, literacy, and Spanish tutoring, or help on special projects or homework assigned throughout the week. Saturday Academy is also the home to our ATM (anger, time and money management) program, where students are engaged in practical life skills workshops and in-depth sessions designed to strengthen their anger, time, and money management. During Saturday Academy, LSY offers ACT Prep classes facilitated by certified staff. Breakfast and lunch are served during Saturday Academy.

Saturday Academy is offered every 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Saturday of the month from 9:00am – 2:00pm.
Out-of-School Help Tutor After-School Program for Youth Out-of-School Time
Days that youth are out of school during the school year (i.e., spring break, in-service days, winter break), LSY offers programming that focuses on healthy lifestyles, career exploration, intentional enrichment, and team building. Youth are still engaged in academic preparation activities, including those related to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields. Breakfast, lunch, and snack are served each day during out-of-school time.
Career Development for Youth Career Development
This program prepares and improves work-ready students who will soon become engaged in today’s workforce. LSY student curriculum includes:

-Work Ethics
-Work Habits
-Communications
-Job Search
-College Planning
Life Skills for Youth – Health and Wellness for Kids, Little Rock Arkansas Health and Wellness
This program sets standards for healthy eating habits and physical fitness activities. As a part of this program, medical professionals come in to speak and teach participants about healthy living, healthy choices, physical fitness programs, etc. The philosophy of this program is to teach today for a healthy tomorrow. The youth participate in various sports, i.e. soccer, baseball, tennis, walking, basketball, etc.; healthy nutritional snacks will be served daily and this will reinforce the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle.
Cultural Enrichment Programs for Youth - Theatre, Dance, Music, History Cultural Enrichment Activities
This program strives to diversify youth culturally and enhance their social abilities to meet the challenges of society. Program participants engage in the arts, theater and history through dance, musicals and museums. They also learn about contemporary art expression, historical classics arts, poetry, etc.
Life Skills for Youth – Community Services for Youth Community Services
This program engages the youth in community services; it shows participants how to develop a sense of civic duty and nationalism. Examples of community service projects include but are not limited to: reading to the elderly in nursing homes; cleaning parks, collecting needed items such as clothes, food, blankets, etc., and helping out at school activities that benefit the community.

LSY Programs Create Confident, Capable Youth

We give students the space to learn, the tools to grow, and the confidence to lead. LSY programs focus on what really matters—skills that create capable, purpose-driven young people.
  • summer youth program
    Academic Skills
    Math, reading, homework help
  • summer youth program
    Employability Skills
    Career prep, job readiness
  • summer youth program
    Social Development
    Communication, relationship-building
  • summer youth program
    Personal Development
    Confidence, goal setting
  • summer youth program
    Professional Development
    Life planning, responsibility
  • summer youth program
    Emotional Development
    Behavior, emotional regulation
  • summer youth program
    Physical Wellness
    Zumba, Tai Chi, dance, gym activities
  • summer youth program
    Nutritional Awareness
    Full, balanced meals to address gaps in diet
  • summer youth program
    Cultural & Creative Enrichment
    Spanish class, STEM, reading club, math club, theater.

Which Star are You?

life skills for youth find your star

Lucky Junior Star

PreK–1st Grade

At this early age, we focus on helping kids feel safe, supported, and curious about learning. Lucky Junior Stars build basic routines, practice social skills, and gain confidence through play, enrichment activities, and positive reinforcement.
  • after school program for elementary school kids
    Learning through movement and stories
  • after school program for elementary school kids
    Hands-on art and music activities
  • after school program for elementary school kids
    Gentle structure to support early development
life skills for youth lucky junior stars
life skills for youth lucky stars

Lucky Star

2nd–3rd Grade

Lucky Stars begin to explore learning more independently. This group benefits from targeted support in reading and math, team-building activities, and a growing sense of responsibility.
  • summer academy for elementary school kids
    Small-group academic support
  • summer academy for elementary school kids
    Interactive games that reinforce classroom learning
  • summer academy for elementary school kids
    Encouragement in leadership and communication

Platinum Star

4th–5th Grade

Platinum Stars are learning to lead. At this stage, we focus on critical thinking, emotional awareness, and sharpening study skills.
  • summer academy for middle school kids
    Enrichment programs in STEM and reading
  • summer academy for middle school kids
    Skill-building workshops in organization and time management
  • summer academy for middle school kids
    Supportive mentorship to prepare for academic transitions
life skills for youth platinum star
life skills for youth gold stars

Gold Star

6th–12th Grade

Gold Stars are supported through tutoring, life skills training, and mentorship to navigate adolescence and plan for their future. This is where purpose starts to take shape.
  • youth mentoring for highschoolers
    Leadership and character development
  • youth after school program for highschoolers
    Job readiness and college prep
  • summer academy for middle school kids
    One-on-one mentorship and goal setting

Be the Spark.

Your support lights the path for a child to dream bigger, learn more, and reach higher. One small act can fuel a future.
life skills for youth summer after school program