Youth Empowerment Programs

Youth Empowerment Programs includes the After-School Academic Program, Free Summer Reading Fun!, the Teen Empowerment Program (TEP), the Summer Teen Empowerment Program (STEP), and Growing Strong STEMs. The after-school academic program runs Monday through Friday from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Free Summer Reading Fun! meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 5 p.m. from June 9 to July 30, 2026, and uses certified teachers and volunteer assistants to work with children on reading and comprehension skills with a performance-based incentive program. STEP includes financial literacy, career exploration, life skills, leadership and team building, field trips, public services and safety, and health and wellness. Growing Strong STEMs has Pine View students volunteering with children in science, technology, engineering, and math.

Programs

• After-School Academic Program — K–12 · Monday through Friday, 2:30–5:30 p.m.
• Free Summer Reading Fun! — K-5th grades · Tues & Thurs, 4-5 pm · June 9 - July 30, 2026; certified teachers and volunteer assistants work with children to improve reading and comprehension skills; performance-based incentive program.
• Teen Empowerment Program (TEP) — Program designed to reach and engage youth and help teens succeed by becoming lifelong learners, leaders, community role models, productive workers, and self-sufficient citizens.
• Summer Teen Empowerment Program (STEP) — Summer program for teens featuring financial literacy, career exploration, life skills, leadership and team building, field trips, public services & safety, and health & wellness.
• Growing Strong STEMs — 3rd to 8th grades · Pine View students volunteer to engage kids and develop a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.
• Youth Empowerment Programs — Academic Empowerment and Teen Empowerment programs are included under the Youth Empowerment Programs.

At a glance

• Ages: 3–18 years old
• General schedule: After-School Academic Program: Monday through Friday, 2:30–5:30 p.m.; Summer Reading Fun: June 9 - July 30, 2026, 4-5 pm, Tues & Thurs.

About the provider

The mission statement says children can overcome challenges at home, in school, and in life if they are shown the way, and that the organization believes children deserve to be nurtured, supported, and empowered in a safe and fun environment. The program notes also say that Academic Empowerment and Teen Empowerment programs are included under Youth Empowerment Programs.

Students attend regularly Monday through Friday. The program is open to all students from any Sarasota County school. One-on-one assistance is provided to students with Specialized Varying Exceptionality (SVES) and Individualized Education Program (IEP) needs.

Last updated September 11, 2026.