About Youth Elevation Incorporated
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young people in South Miami-Dade County through comprehensive youth development programming.
Our Mission
Youth Elevation Incorporated (YEI) exists to empower young people with the knowledge, skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to build successful, fulfilling futures — and to strengthen the communities they come from.
Our Vision
A South Miami-Dade County where every young person — regardless of background, zip code, or circumstance — has access to the resources, mentorship, and programming needed to reach their full potential.
Our Story
Youth Elevation Incorporated was founded with a clear purpose: to fill the gap in high-quality, comprehensive youth development programming in South Miami-Dade County — one of Florida's most underserved regions.
Recognizing that young people need more than just academic support, YEI was built around a 360° model — addressing the whole person. That means academics, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, STEAM, athletics, mentoring, and transition-to-adulthood services, all under one organizational roof.
From its roots in the communities of Homestead, Florida City, Naranja, Goulds, and Perrine, YEI has grown into a trusted partner for schools, government agencies, families, and community organizations throughout the region.
Today, YEI operates seven distinct programs serving youth ages 5–22, with a commitment to meeting young people where they are and walking alongside them on the path to success.
Our Core Values
Elevation
We believe every young person has the capacity to rise — and our job is to provide the platform, tools, and support to make that happen.
Equity
We serve communities that have historically been underinvested. We are committed to closing the opportunity gap through direct, high-quality programming.
Excellence
We hold ourselves and the youth we serve to high standards — in academics, character, leadership, and life.
Community
We are rooted in South Miami-Dade. We work alongside families, schools, and organizations because lasting change is built together.
Entrepreneurship
We teach young people to think like owners — of their businesses, their futures, and their communities.
Whole-Person Development
We address the academic, social, financial, creative, physical, and professional dimensions of every young person we serve.
The 360° Approach
Most youth programs focus on one dimension — tutoring, sports, or job training. YEI is different. Our 360° model addresses every dimension of a young person's development: academic achievement, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, STEAM creativity, athletic excellence, mentorship, and transition-to-adulthood readiness. Because young people are whole people — and they deserve whole-person support.
Explore Our ProgramsOur Nonprofit Status
Youth Elevation Incorporated is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. YEI is committed to transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of every dollar entrusted to us.
YEI Leadership
YEI is led by a dedicated team of youth development professionals, community leaders, and advocates committed to the mission.
YEI Leadership
The founder and executive director of Youth Elevation Incorporated brings years of experience in youth development, community organizing, and nonprofit leadership to the organization. Their vision of a 360° approach to youth empowerment is the foundation of everything YEI does.
Program Leadership
YEI's program leadership team oversees the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of all seven YEI programs — ensuring every young person receives high-quality, consistent, and impactful programming.
Community Partnerships
YEI's community engagement team builds and maintains the school, government, and organizational partnerships that bring YEI programming to the communities that need it most.
Rooted in South Miami-Dade
YEI serves South Miami-Dade County — one of Florida's most underserved regions. We work directly in schools, community centers, parks, and neighborhoods to ensure our programs are accessible to every young person who needs them.
Join the YEI Community
Whether you want to enroll a student, partner with YEI, volunteer your time, or support our mission financially — there is a place for you in the YEI community.