Youth Programs
YWCA Helps Children Grow
YWCA Central Carolinas has a long history of providing high-quality out-of-school programs to students K-5 throughout Mecklenburg and Union Counties. At YWCA Youth Programs, our mission is to nurture the whole child by providing safe, engaging and academically enriching experiences beyond the school day. Each day, our students are empowered to explore their potential, build confidence and develop critical literacy and life skills.
Our refreshed program model supports the whole child through the use of research-based literacy technology, community engagement and promoting emotional wellness. To ensure every child we serve is meeting or exceeding grade-level reading standards, we are focusing on three core pillars:
- Amira Learning – provide access to individualized literacy technology
- Mindfulness Work – increasing physical and emotional wellness
- Shared Reading – building reading readiness through family/community engagement
The impact of our programs is reflected in the progress our students make, the joy they bring to learning and their readiness to succeed in school and beyond. By fostering a love of learning and a strong sense of self, YWCA Youth Programs equips each child with the tools to thrive, inspiring families and communities along the way.
This closely aligns our youth programs students to YWCA’s larger mission: to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.
You can learn more about how we are serving students and their families by contacting our Youth Learning Center Coordinators; their contact information is listed below.
Amira Learning
Amira is an AI-powered reading coach designed to provide personalized, in-the-moment instruction to students, mirroring the effectiveness of human tutoring. Built on the Science of Reading, Amira assesses mastery, delivers 1:1 tutoring and drives measurable reading growth across various skill levels and learning environments.
Mindfulness Work
Our Mindfulness Work initiative promotes student focus, emotional regulation and self-awareness to create a well-rounded learning environment that supports readiness to learn. Volunteers and partners use fitness, health and wellness expertise to help students build strong mind-body connections through activities that encourage calmness, movement and reflection. By collaborating with community partners who specialize in mindfulness, emotional wellness and physical engagement, this program nurtures the whole child—empowering students to manage emotions, stay focused, and thrive both in and out of the classroom.
Shared Reading
The Shared Reading Program invites volunteers to help elementary students build literacy skills and confidence through engaging one-on-one and small-group reading sessions held three times per month. Designed for students in grades K–5, our after-school programs intentionally incorporate culturally relevant content, books and resources into daily activities and instructional materials, ensuring every child sees themselves reflected in what they read and learn. The shared reading volunteer experience offers flexible, one-hour volunteer opportunities across four YWCA center locations, with no teaching experience required. Volunteers—whether individuals or corporate teams—support students in reaching grade-level reading goals, while also having the option to participate in special events such as Family Literacy Nights and Reading Celebrations. Through shared reading experiences, volunteers help children discover the joy of reading and a lifelong love of learning.
Real Results
From July 2023 – June 2024, 56% of students increased their reading level or maintained grade level proficiency while enrolled in our program.
Hours of Operation
YWCA’s Youth Learning Centers operate during the academic year, as well as the summer.
During the school year, Centers are open Monday – Friday: 3pm – 6pm (after school).
For our summer sessions and teacher workdays, YWCA offers support from 9:00am – 5:00pm.
Locations
There is a need throughout Charlotte and the surrounding communities for accessible education. YWCA is here to provide to the community’s need, wherever it may be.
Billingsville/Grier Heights Presbyterian Church
325 Skyland Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28205
Gwendolyn Forney at 704.430.2036 or
gforney@ywcacentralcarolinas.org
Old Armory
500 S. Johnson Street, Monroe, NC 28112
Kelsey Livingston at 704.282.5765 or
klivingston@ywcacentralcarolinas.org
Southside
435 Fairwood Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28203
Amanda Canteen at 704.332.1622 or acanteen@ywcacentralcarolinas.org
Sunridge
4005 Sunridge Lane, Charlotte, NC 28215
Carrie Tucker at 980.999.2771 or
ctucker@ywcacentralcarolinas.org
Exciting News! We're Moving to Brightwheel
YWCA Youth Programs Afterschool is now using Brightwheel, a secure and user-friendly online platform, to manage all registrations and student information. Starting this year, all parents must create a Brightwheel account in order to register new or returning students for our programs. Brightwheel allows families to easily complete enrollment, manage payments, and stay connected with program updates—all in one place.
Program Fees & Sliding Scale
We remain committed to making high-quality afterschool programming accessible to all families. Our new fee structure includes a sliding scale based on household income (using the Area Median Income matrix for Mecklenburg and Union Counties).
Families will be asked to provide income verification during the registration process in order to qualify for sliding scale rates. Click here to review the weekly fee per child and register.
We’re excited to make enrollment simpler and more efficient while continuing to support our families with flexible payment options.
Alternative Bus Stop Request
CMS Parents & Families – To request bus service, please click here to access the Alternative Bus Stop Request link for CMS Schools.
Union Co. Public Schools Transportation – UCPS requires parents to visit their student’s school(s) to request transportation. The Data Manager at each school location will enter the request into PowerSchool. The transportation department will be notified automatically of the request.