Literacy. Identity. Trade. Legacy
AYA KC helps students master literacy and life skills through a mix of tutoring, emotional support, and hands-on trade learning. From books to blueprints—we're building a generation that earns, learns, and leads
Project Based Learning
Training Healthy Habits
Career Readiness
Goal Based Therapy
Our Program
The American Youth Academy (AYA KC) is a community-rooted afterschool nonprofit focused on helping students build identity and independence through literacy, social-emotional growth, and technical trades like HVAC, Cosmetology, Electric, Coding, and more."
"We currently serve one Kansas City school, but our vision is to expand citywide, offering tutoring, training, and even paid internships as students grow. AYA KC isn’t just an afterschool program—it’s a launchpad for future-ready youth."
Spring 2025 Tutoring Begins April 1 at DeLaSalle High School!
This session, students will explore powerful historical texts like Black Like Me and Celia, A Slave—stories that expose the weight of injustice and the will to survive it. Through culturally rich discussion and skill-based literacy practice, students will learn how knowledge, voice, and viable skills have always been tools of liberation. From the courtroom to the classroom, we’ll examine how identity and education unlock the doors that once kept people bound.
Our Mission
THIS IS A GREAT PLACE FOR YOUR TAGLINE.
To increase career opportunities, reading comprehension, and social-emotional growth in high school youth through innovative, project-based learning and strategic community partnerships
ABOUT US
The American Youth Academy currently provides literacy-focused tutoring for middle and high school students, using real-world trades to boost reading skills, confidence, and purpose.
Looking ahead to Summer 2025, we’re expanding through community partnerships to offer hands-on programs like a Car Restoration Camp and a Professional Braiding Certification Camp. These opportunities will allow students to earn market-value income while working under licensed professionals — bridging literacy, life skills, and career readiness.
Our mission remains the same: build emotional stability, academic strength, and future-ready youth, one meaningful experience at a time.
At the American Youth Academy, we take pride in providing a safe and nurturing environment for our students. Our programs are designed to be engaging and hands-on, allowing students to gain practical experience in their chosen field. We also offer mentorship and support to our students, helping them to build strong relationships with their peers and mentors. We believe in the power of education to transform lives, and we are committed to making a positive impact in our community.
Our Vision
At AYA KC, we envision transforming traditional after-school programs into collegiate-level experiences that challenge, empower, and prepare students for real-world success.
Our mission is to create a safe, affirming space where students can decompress, build emotional resilience, and engage in project-based learning that connects directly to career pathways and life skills.
Through community partnerships, we aim to expand our reach by offering monthly health screenings, hands-on career exploration, and intentional mentorship that promotes college and career readiness.
Together, we’re building a future where every student is educated, equipped, and empowered — not just to succeed, but to lead.
Current Success
We’re proud to report a 79% literacy growth this school year, based on NWEA standardized testing — a powerful testament to our students’ hard work and our program’s impact.
So far, we’ve launched Cosmetology as our first full Project-Based Learning (PBL) experience, giving students real-world skills while deepening literacy through trade education. We’ve also introduced Horticulture through a small but mighty plant project designed to spark interest in growing food and nurturing self-sufficiency.
In the 2022 school year, we served nearly 30 students, achieving a 20% increase in reading scores and a 25% decrease in behavioral incidents, thanks to intentional goal-setting, mentoring, and consistent fellowship.
This summer, we’re excited to host a localized planting project right on campus — a hands-on experience where students will quite literally grow their identity through the act of working with their hands to nourish themselves.
🌱 Join us as we continue to grow into our full-service model, rooted in literacy, leadership, and local legacy — empowering students across the Kansas City Metro to thrive.
It Takes a Village. Welcome to Ours.
We believe every student deserves a community of adults who care—people who are willing to give time, tools, talent, or treasure to help young people grow into their full potential. Whether you're a mechanic, a mentor, a monthly donor, or just someone who believes in legacy, there’s a lane for you to build in.
👇🏽 Explore the ways to get involved below—and take the first step.
