SA Youth

Our vision is for all San Antonio youth and young adults to have equitable access to educational opportunities, graduate from high school, and become successful community-minded adults, regardless of circumstance. SA Youth strives to make a difference through three main program goals: 1) Improve educational achievement, 2) Foster values and develop character, and 3) Develop healthy lifestyles.

SA Youth is an innovative thought leader locally and throughout the state. As a founding member of San Antonio’s Excel Beyond the Bell network of Up! Partnership, SA Youth is committed to using data and student/parent input to maintain excellence in its high-quality programs. As a member of Texas ACE (Afterschool Centers on Education) Resource Network, SA Youth has been designated as a regional representative to aggregate concerns and ideas from grantees and communicate them to Texas Education Agency (TEA). Additionally, SA Youth is participating in the Texas Afterschool Centers on Education’s statewide research study on the impact of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) in afterschool programs with The Search Institute and The Developmental Relationships Framework. Additionally, SA Youth actively educates local city and county elected officials on the importance of support for afterschool programming and services for Opportunity Youth.

SA Youth has been serving the youth and young adults of San Antonio since 1984, securing nonprofit status in 1986. With 60+ staff members trained to exceed standards set by Texas Education Agency (TEA). SA Youth is committed to providing high-quality services, tracking student progress, and making adjustments as needed to ensure student success despite their circumstances. The agency participates in TEA's annual Quality Assurance Process for the Academic Achievers program and hires independent third parties to assess program effectiveness.

SA Youth is the ONLY afterschool service provider for all elementary and middle schools in South San Antonio Independent School District.

Academic Achievers - Outcomes for the 2021 - 2022 School Year
Elementary
Ninety-nine percent of students promoted to the next grade level,
Ninety-two percent of students passed reading, and
Ninety-three percent of students passed math.
Middle School
One hundred percent of students promoted to the next grade level,
Ninety-seven percent of of students passed reading, and
One hundred percent of students passed math.

Academic Achievers- Goals
Serve at least 860 elementary and middle school students at fourteen sites.
Ninety percent of Academic Achievers will progress to the next grade level.
Eighty-five percent of Academic Achievers will show a letter grade increase in reading or math by the end of the school year.
Eighty-five percent of Academic Achievers will show increased engagement during their school day, as reported by their classroom teachers.

SA Youth's SOAR! program offers students the opportunity to earn an accredited high school diploma, not just a GED. SOAR! students also receive comprehensive case management to address barriers to their success.

Data shows that 95 percent of SOAR! students secure high school diplomas, a testament to not only the structure of the academic program but also to meeting the needs of students so that they can focus on their studies. Immediately upon graduation, 16 percent of students enroll in college, 36 percent enroll in certification programs, 17 percent enlist in the military, and 31 percent of students with jobs report earning raises and promotions. During SOAR! participation and 12 month follow up case management, students have shown no new engagement with the justice system.

Short-term Impact: Regardless of service location, the short-term goal of SOAR! is to meet the immediate basic, physical and mental needs of students so that they have the resources to be successful in securing diplomas and changing the trajectory of their lives. This support includes students feeling empowered, respected, valued, and encouraged. Students have a voice and choices in driving the creation of their goals and plans. We want to prepare students to succeed despite their circumstances. Upon graduation, SA Youth helps prepare students to enter the workforce, join the military, or enroll in higher education, job training, or credentialing programs.

Long-term Impact: The program's long-term goal is to produce educated, trained, and active citizens in our community who are empowered to make a living wage to support themselves and their families. SOAR! graduates will have the necessary skills, vision, and support as alums to escape generational poverty.

FY22 SOAR! Goals:
One hundred unduplicated SOAR! graduates;
Forty-four percent of students will have an increased interest in attending college; and
Eighty percent of students will earn a high school diploma.