58 Years of Youth Achievement. More Work Ahead.
When young people need housing, help finishing school, or skills that lead to employment, LAYC provides the resources to move forward. Your support keeps these programs available and extends their reach to more youth.
Our Impact
Supports like yours turn into safe homes, passing grades, first credentials, and someone who believes in a young person.
4,056
Youth served at LAYC centers. (2025)
200,000+
Youth served since 1968.
of youth exiting LAYC residential programs moved on to safe housing. (2025)
80%
youth reached with preventive mental health services at 8 partner schools. (2025)
7,000+
Where Your Gift Goes
ACADEMIC IMPROVEMENT
989 youth served through education programs in DC and Maryland, with 87% in after-school programs improving or maintaining passing grades.
989
YOUTH HEALTH AWARENESS
746 youth educated on sexual and reproductive health and substance use, including 305 who received testing and counseling.
746
HOUSING AND ESSENTIAL NEEDS
596 youth housed or served at drop-in centers, receiving housing assistance, academic support, and job readiness training.
596
ONE-ON-ONE MENTORSHIP
467 youth mentored in academic success, career readiness, and physical and mental health.
467
WORKFORCE INTEGRATION
393 youth participated in workforce programming and gained marketable skills.
393
Hear From Our Youth
Kelvin
Where They Started
Kelvin was at risk of losing his home and didn’t know where to turn, then he discovered LAYC.
What They’ve Accomplished
Two weeks after reaching out, he joined the Conservation Corps, earned workforce certifications, and received his first paycheck.
Where They Are Today
He has a place of his own and a job.
Jessie
Where They Started
Jessie was experiencing homelessness while raising her infant son after fleeing an abusive home. She came to LAYC seeking safety, support, and hope for a better future.
What They’ve Accomplished
Through LAYC's programs, Jessie earned her GED, completed college, and eventually graduated from law school.
Where They Are Today
Today, Jessie is now a lawyer working at a law firm in Washington, DC.
“This program felt like a parachute that I grabbed mid-air… and it caught me. It really did.”
Program Highlights
Conservation Corps
LAYC's Conservation Corps provides hands-on environmental work experience, workforce training, and industry-recognized certifications. In 2025, 38 youth earned certifications such as OSHA, CPR, and Flagger Training.
GED Preparation
LAYC helps youth earn their GED through academic support, test preparation, and career counseling. In 2025, 29 youth earned their GED, opening new pathways to employment, training, and higher education.
Housing Services
LAYC connects youth experiencing homelessness and housing instability with safe housing, supportive services, and life-skills development. In FY25, 710 youth accessed housing services, and 80% of those exiting residential programs moved to safe and stable housing.
Teen Center Program
Youth explore their interests and build valuable skills through hands-on programs in Culinary Arts, Fashion & Sewing, and Digital Media & Technology. Participants gain creative, technical, and career-ready experience in a supportive environment, and 79% of youth in Arts & Media programming increased their artistic literacy and skills.
1968-Present
4,000+
youth served annually across our sites
For 58 years, LAYC empowers youth and families across Washington, DC, and Maryland through education, workforce development, housing, wellness, and family support programs, helping young people build successful futures
Give More Than a Gift
Internships, equipment, technology, professional expertise, mentorship, specialized training, and industry connections all move young people forward.
Financial Report
See how every dollar is put to work.
Why Your Support Matters Now
Young people across Washington, DC, and Maryland are facing growing challenges, including housing instability, food insecurity, mental health concerns, educational barriers, and limited access to career opportunities. Every day, youth turn to LAYC for safe housing, mentorship, counseling, academic support, job training, and pathways to a brighter future.
Your gift provides hope when it is needed most.
By giving today, you help ensure that young people have access to the resources, support, and opportunities they need not just to overcome challenges, but to thrive.
Follow Us
